Jorea Marple
Jorea Marple (b. January 16, 1949) is the former West Virginia Superintendent of Schools. She was appointed by the state Board of Education on March 1, 2011 and abruptly let go on November 15, 2012.[1] She was the state's first female superintendent of schools.
Biography
Marple was born in Sutton, West Virginia. She graduated from Sutton High School and received her bachelor's degree from Fairmont State College (now Fairmont State University).
She began her career teaching elementary school in Monongalia County. In 1971 she moved to Kanawha County and worked as a teacher, reading specialist and principal before serving as the superintendent of Kanawha County schools from 1993 to 1998. She then began to work for the state Department of Education, first as assistant superintendent and later as deputy superintendent before her March 2011 appointment to the department's top post.[2]
Education
- B.S., Elementary education, Fairmont State College
- MA, Reading, West Virginia University
- EdD, Education administration, West Virginia University
Political career
West Virginia Superintendent of Schools (2011 - 2012)
While working for the Department of Education, Marple helped create "Global 21: Students deserve it. The world demands it." - a statewide effort that has received national and international attention and is intended "to help students compete internationally by promoting critical thinking, communication skills, and the use of technology."[2] She has also focused her work on pre-K programs, school technology implementation, school leadership development programs, reading initiatives and teacher quality efforts.[3]
Appointments
Marple was first appointed by the state Board of Education on March 1, 2011. Under state law, the superintendent serves at the "will and pleasure" of the board. The board fired Marple from the position on November 15, 2012, citing the need for a change in leadership. Two board members who felt "blind-sighted" by the board's decision to ask for Marple's resignation and resigned in protest.[1]
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Marple is married to Darrell McGraw, a former Attorney General of West Virginia. Together, they have two children and live in Charleston, WV.
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The State Journal, "State board of education member 'appalled' at 'lack of transparency,'" November 16, 2012
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 West Virginia Encyclopedia, "Jorea Marple," accessed December 29, 2011
- ↑ West Virginia Department of Education, "State superintendent of schools Jorea Marple," accessed December 29, 2011
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Steven L. Paine |
West Virginia Superintendent of Schools March 1, 2011 - November 15, 2012 |
Succeeded by James Phares |
| ||||||||||||||
