Charleston, W.Va. - The October 2026 meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) marked the final meeting for WVBE Secretary F. Scott Rotruck, who was recognized by fellow members for his years of service to public education. Rotruck, who most recently served as chair of the WVBE's Resources Committee, was appointed in 2015 to fill an unexpired term and was reappointed to a full term in 2017.

During his tenure, Rotruck helped guide public schools through challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, school closures and the elevated needs of an increasing number of students. His commitment to students and the public school community in West Virginia has been continuous and significant for more than a decade.

Rotruck has been a passionate advocate for career technical education and expanding awareness of entrepreneurial and innovative learning opportunities for students across West Virginia. Drawing on his extensive experience in financial investing and educational leadership, he has shared valuable insights with students in K-12 and higher education through his role as chair of the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative and his service on the Communities In Schools Advisory Board.

"As a scholar and lifelong learner, Mr. Rotruck has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to making a difference through investment of his time, talent and resources," said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. "He continues to champion opportunities that are shaping the future of West Virginia for generations to come."

"It has been an honor and a privilege the past 11 years to have served with the dedicated and talented members and staff of the WVBE and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), in support of every student, the teachers, school service personnel and administrators statewide," said Rotruck. "Some of the greatest lessons I have learned about ensuring a thorough and efficient system of free schools are captured in the words 'collaborative' and 'community,' as it truly takes collaboration by the Legislature, the Governor, the Board, the Department and so many others in our communities across our state to make it all happen."

October WVBE Meeting

As a follow-up to the October 2026 WVBE meeting, the WVDE reported that the Board voted 7 to 1 to take a position in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state's public school funding formula. A formal roll call was not conducted; therefore, the statement should have read, "The majority of the Board voted in the affirmative on the position."