MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Berkeley County Schools has announced an interim superintendent to hold the position while a permanent replacement for outgoing Superintendent Dr. Patrick Murphy, who will step down at the end of June.
In a Tuesday announcement, the school system announced Ronald (Ron) E. Stephens, IV would be
interim superintendent of Berkeley County Schools, effective July 1, 2022, following an
executive session held after the regular board meeting on Monday, May 16th.
Mr. Stephens will serve for one year, July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, during which time
the Board of Education will conduct a search for superintendent of schools.
Board of Education Vice President Todd Beckwith made the motion during Monday night’s
meeting after Stephens was approved unanimously for the interim post:
Stephens currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Services
for Berkeley County Schools.
Dr. Murphy announced last month his intention to retire after three years as the head Berkeley County Schools.
The announcement from the district indicated Mr. Stephens and Dr. Murphy will work
together over the next few weeks to solidify a transition plan for district leadership.
“As Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Services, Stephens has led the offices of
attendance, homeschool, transition school, virtual school, athletics, transportation, school
nursing, and pupil support during a period of great enrollment growth and challenges
associated with the Covid-19 pandemic,” the announcement read in part.
Berkeley County Board of Education President Dr. Darin Gilpin said, “We feel that Mr. Stephens has a unique perspective and the complete ability as a
current assistant superintendent to step into this position and lead the district while the
Board of Education conducts a thorough search for the next superintendent of schools.
Ron’s professional experience, educational background, and community-based
enthusiasm are foundational attributes that will help him carry out the vision of the district.”
Gilpin went on to say, “We also want to recognize and thank Dr. Murphy
for his leadership since joining us in September 2019. We certainly wish him well in his
retirement.”
Stephens has been in education for 30 years.
The announcement highlighted his different roles
and responsibilities with experience as a substitute teacher, teacher, assistant principal,
athletic director, principal, and assistant superintendent. His career began in Berkeley
County Schools in 2001 as the assistant principal charged with discipline at Martinsburg
High School.
Berkeley County Schools highlighted some of the new interim superintendent’s accomplishments in its announcement, excerpted here:
A valedictorian graduate of Petersburg (WV) High School, Stephens earned a bachelor’s
degree in secondary education, as a foundation scholar athlete, and a master’s degree
in education administration and supervision from Frostburg State University.
“Since joining Berkeley County Schools in 2001, I have worked to put students
first in my classroom, school, and district. I will continue to hold steadfast to that goal
ensuring our students succeed academically and are well prepared for the pathway they
choose upon graduation. Our staff members are an awesome, dedicated, hand-working
group of individuals that want what is best for all kids. I am honored to have been selected
to serve in this interim position and will continue moving our district in a positive direction
and improving the educational outcomes for all our students,” said Stephens.Ron is married to Joette Stephens, a 30-year educator also with Berkeley County
Schools. They are most proud of their three sons, all graduates with honors, from
Berkeley County Schools, and then West Virginia University, Shepherd University, and
Virginia Military Institute.