Beth Cercone has announced her candidacy for the Clay County Board of Education. She first ran in 2004 and has served over ten years since.
Bringing a unique perspective as an educator and a parent to the table, Beth believes she can offer insight to each issue presented to the board. As a current educator, Beth is already familiar with the policies and changes presented to the board through past experiences. She’s been an educator for over 25 years for various levels of education, giving her the understanding of the problems faced by the employees in the school system.
“I’ve had to live with the policies the board implemented as a teacher,” said Cercone. “I remember what was done in the past and the consequences as they were made in the county or even by the state.”
Beth is a graduate of Clay County High school and has taught in the school system from 1989-1991 and 1991-2002, which, according to her, offers a more specific understanding to the employees in the school.
“I applied to work for Clay County schools because I believe it’s one of the best in the state,” said Cercone.
As a mother of three, Beth understands the concerns of parents throughout the county. “I can put myself in the position of the parent because I’ve been there,” said Cercone. “I keep that in mind when we draft our policies.”
Growing up in Clay County, Beth has been an integral part of the local community for years. She’s an active member of the Lizemores Church of the Nazarene where she helps with various activities such as the local food pantry or tutoring that had been offered in the past. She also partners with Lizemore’s fifth grade class to provide supplies and materials to the students.
Beth serves as a chaperone for national Technology Student Association (TSA) conferences attended by middle school and high school students, was active for the high school band boosters and is currently a member of the advisory board for Vocational Education for Clay County High School.
Beth believes being active in the community is one reason why she can better serve the board of education. She’s accessible to the local community, saying on more than one occasion, she’s been called by a parent or staff member to offer solutions or small conflicts within the schools.
“People in the community know that I’m willing to listen to their concerns,” said Cercone. “I can offer solutions or point them in the right direction for who to contact to resolve their issue.”
The primary election will be held in West Virginia on May 10.