As of March 2026, the executive and legislative leadership of West Virginia is as follows. Please note that while individual email addresses are provided for legislators, the Governor’s office typically manages public correspondence through a centralized web portal rather than a direct public email address.
Executive Branch
Governor: Patrick Morrisey (Republican)
Correspondence: Submit a Comment to the Governor
Phone: (304) 558-2000
West Virginia State Senate
The Senate consists of 34 members representing 17 districts.
| Name | District | Email Address |
| Randy E. Smith (President) | 14 | randy.smith@wvsenate.gov |
| Laura Wakim Chapman | 01 | laura.chapman@wvsenate.gov |
| Ryan Weld | 01 | ryan.weld@wvsenate.gov |
| Chris Rose | 02 | chris.rose@wvsenate.gov |
| Charles Clements | 02 | charles.clements@wvsenate.gov |
| Mike Azinger | 03 | mike.azinger@wvsenate.gov |
| Trenton Barnhart | 03 | trenton.barnhart@wvsenate.gov |
| Amy Nichole Grady | 04 | amy.grady@wvsenate.gov |
| Eric Tarr | 04 | eric.tarr@wvsenate.gov |
| Mike Woelfel | 05 | mike.woelfel@wvsenate.gov |
| Scott Fuller | 05 | scott.fuller@wvsenate.gov |
| Craig A. Hart | 06 | craig.hart@wvsenate.gov |
| Mark R. Maynard | 06 | mark.maynard@wvsenate.gov |
| Rupie Phillips | 07 | rupie.phillips@wvsenate.gov |
| Zack Maynard | 07 | zack.maynard@wvsenate.gov |
| Glenn Jeffries | 08 | glenn.jeffries@wvsenate.gov |
| T. Kevan Bartlett | 08 | kevan.bartlett@wvsenate.gov |
| Brian Helton | 09 | brian.helton@wvsenate.gov |
| Rollan A. Roberts | 09 | rollan.roberts@wvsenate.gov |
| Jack Woodrum | 10 | jack.woodrum@wvsenate.gov |
| Vince Deeds | 10 | vince.deeds@wvsenate.gov |
| Bill Hamilton | 11 | bill.hamilton@wvsenate.gov |
| Robbie Morris | 11 | robbie.morris@wvsenate.gov |
| Patrick Martin | 12 | patrick.martin@wvsenate.gov |
| Ben Queen | 12 | ben.queen@wvsenate.gov |
| Joey Garcia | 13 | joey.garcia@wvsenate.gov |
| Mike Oliverio | 13 | mike.oliverio@wvsenate.gov |
| Jay Taylor | 14 | jay.taylor@wvsenate.gov |
| Darren Thorne | 15 | darren.thorne@wvsenate.gov |
| Tom Willis | 15 | tom.willis@wvsenate.gov |
| Jason Barrett | 16 | jason.barrett@wvsenate.gov |
| Patricia Rucker | 16 | patricia.rucker@wvsenate.gov |
| Anne B. Charnock | 17 | anne.charnock@wvsenate.gov |
| Tom Takubo | 17 | tom.takubo@wvsenate.gov |
West Virginia House of Delegates
Below is a selection of the 100 current delegates and their respective email addresses.
| Name | District | Email Address |
| Roger Hanshaw (Speaker) | 062 | roger.hanshaw@wvhouse.gov |
| Pat McGeehan | 001 | pat.mcgeehan@wvhouse.gov |
| Shawn Fluharty | 005 | shawn.fluharty@wvhouse.gov |
| William Anderson | 010 | bill.anderson@wvhouse.gov |
| Vernon Criss | 012 | vernon.criss@wvhouse.gov |
| Matthew Rohrbach | 026 | matthew.rohrbach@wvhouse.gov |
| Marty Gearheart | 037 | marty.gearheart@wvhouse.gov |
| Joe Ellington | 038 | joe.ellington@wvhouse.gov |
| Roy Cooper | 040 | roy.cooper@wvhouse.gov |
| Mike Pushkin | 054 | mike.pushkin@wvhouse.gov |
| Elias Coop-Gonzalez | 067 | elias.coop-gonzalez@wvhouse.gov |
| Phil Mallow | 075 | phil.mallow@wvhouse.gov |
| Evan Hansen | 079 | evan.hansen@wvhouse.gov |
| Anitra Hamilton | 081 | anitra.hamilton@wvhouse.gov |
Would you like me to find the specific contact information for the representatives of Pocahontas County?
Pocahontas County is currently served by two state senators from District 11 and one delegate from District 66.
West Virginia State Senators (District 11)
District 11 includes all of Pocahontas County, as well as Barbour, Braxton, Pendleton, Randolph, Upshur, and Webster counties.
| Name | Party | Capitol Phone | Email Address |
| Bill Hamilton | Republican | (304) 357-7906 | bill.hamilton@wvsenate.gov |
| Robbie Morris | Republican | (304) 357-7973 | robbie.morris@wvsenate.gov |
Bill Hamilton's term is up for re-election in 2026.
Robbie Morris assumed office in December 2024 and his term ends in 2028.
West Virginia House of Delegates (District 66)
District 66 represents Pocahontas County and a portion of Randolph County.
| Name | Party | Capitol Phone | Email Address |
| Jonathan B. Kyle | Republican | (304) 340-3135 | jonathan.kyle@wvhouse.gov |
Jonathan B. Kyle assumed office on December 1, 2024, and is currently running for re-election in the May 2026 primary.
Mailing Address for All Representatives
All state legislators can be reached via mail at the West Virginia State Capitol:
[Representative Name]
West Virginia State Capitol
1900 Kanawha Blvd. E.
Charleston, WV 25305
Would you like me to find the contact information for your federal representatives or local Pocahontas County officials next?
Based on the provided report, the ongoing fiscal crisis and proposed legislative changes like HB 5453 and the Hope Scholarship create a "revenue cliff" that threatens the stability of the Pocahontas County School System.
The impact on students is categorized into three primary areas:
1. Academic and Instructional Erosion
Loss of Core Electives: Recent staff abolishments at Pocahontas County High School include positions in English/Language Arts, Social Studies, and Business, which directly limits the variety of courses available to students.
Academic Integrity Gap: Extreme fiscal pressure to maintain "high-performing" metrics has been linked to evidence of transcript falsification, grade manipulation, and the "abuse" of credit recovery systems.
Achievement vs. Graduation Disconnect: While the graduation rate is reported at 94%, actual proficiency levels in core subjects are significantly lower: Reading (47%), Math (45%), and Science (36%).
2. Reduced Support and Safety
Dilution of Mental Health Support: Specialized certified counselor positions are being replaced with "Graduation Coaches," which reduces the professional mental health support available to an increasingly at-risk student population.
School Climate Issues: The loss of Assistant Principals and counselors is expected to lead to inconsistent discipline and "unchecked bullying," compromising the emotional safety of the student body.
3. Structural and Logistical Hardships
The "Stranded Cost" Burden: As students use the Hope Scholarship to leave for private or homeschooling, $5,267.38 in state aid leaves with them, but the fixed costs of heating, fuel, and bus maintenance remain.
Increased Per-Pupil Costs: Because bus routes cannot be eliminated due to the county's sparse geography, the cost of transportation for the remaining students "skyrockets," forcing further cuts to educational programs.
Infrastructure Neglect: Minimal funding for capital outlay ($169k) for aging facilities creates long-term safety and learning environment liabilities.
The Three-Year Outlook
If current trends continue, the district faces a 25% drop in enrollment over three years. This trajectory risks a state of emergency where the West Virginia Board of Education may assume direct control of the county's schools.
Would you like me to draft a summary of these impacts to send to your local representatives?
Here is a draft you can use to communicate the critical state of Pocahontas County Schools to your state representatives.
Subject: Urgent: Fiscal and Academic Crisis in Pocahontas County Schools
Dear [Representative Name],
I am writing to you as a concerned constituent to bring your urgent attention to the structural and fiscal crisis currently destabilizing the Pocahontas County School System. Recent reports indicate that our district is surviving in a legislative "buffer zone" that is no longer sustainable.
The convergence of shrinking enrollment, fixed geographic costs, and proposed legislative changes is creating a "revenue cliff" that directly impacts our students in the following ways:
Erosion of Academic Quality: To manage deficits, the district has already begun abolishing core instructional positions, including English/Language Arts, Social Studies, and Business. This reduces electives and forces a disconnect where graduation rates remain high (94%) while actual proficiency in Math (45%) and Science (36%) is alarmingly low.
Loss of Vital Student Support: The removal of certified counselors and Assistant Principals fundamentally alters the emotional safety of our schools. Replacing these specialists with "Graduation Coaches" dilutes mental health support at a time when student needs are increasingly complex.
The "Stranded Cost" Reality: Our sparse geography means that even when students leave via the Hope Scholarship, we cannot eliminate bus routes. The $5,267.38 in state aid that leaves with each student simply skyrockets the per-pupil transportation and maintenance costs for those who remain.
Impending Institutional Collapse: Within three years, we project a 25% drop in enrollment. Without intervention, the district risks a state of emergency declaration and the loss of local control.
Legislative Action Needed:
We urge you to support SB 437, which proposes a Rural Isolation Factor (RIF) to recognize the unique geographic realities of counties like ours. Conversely, we have grave concerns regarding HB 5453, as lowering the funding floor to 1,200 students would trigger immediate, devastating Reductions in Force (RIF).
Our students deserve a stable, high-quality education regardless of their zip code. We look forward to your response on how you intend to address this crisis during the current legislative session.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
Would you like me to find the mailing addresses or phone numbers for the specific offices where you should send this?
To send your correspondence to the representatives for Pocahontas County, you can use the following office information:
State Senators (District 11)
The Honorable Bill Hamilton
Capitol Office: Room 223W, Building 1, State Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV 25305
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7906
District Office Phone: (304) 472-1966
The Honorable Robbie Morris
Capitol Office: Room 223-W, Building 1, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East, Charleston, WV 25305
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7973
District Office Phone: (304) 614-3268
State Delegate (District 66)
The Honorable Jonathan Kyle
Capitol Office: Room 231E, Building 1, State Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV 25305
Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3178
General Mailing Guidance
The West Virginia Legislature recommends addressing all correspondence to members at the State Capitol using the following format:
The Honorable [Member's Name]
West Virginia Senate (for Hamilton or Morris) OR West Virginia House of Delegates (for Kyle)
Room [Room Number], Building 1
State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25305
Would you like me to help you find the social media profiles for these representatives to share your concerns there as well?
Sharing your concerns on social media can be an effective way to engage with representatives and build public awareness. Below are the known social media profiles for your state legislators as of March 2026.
State Senators (District 11)
Senator Bill Hamilton (R)
Facebook: Senator Bill Hamilton
Official Facebook: Bill Hamilton - West Virginia Senator
Senator Robbie Morris (R)
Facebook: Robbie Morris for WV State Senate
LinkedIn: Robbie Morris
State Delegate (District 66)
Delegate Jonathan Kyle (R)
Facebook: Jonathan Kyle for WV House
LinkedIn: Jonathan B. Kyle
Tips for Posting Your Message
Tag the Representatives: When you post the summary drafted earlier, be sure to tag them directly so the notification appears on their page.
Use Relevant Hashtags: Use tags like #WVLeg, #PocahontasCounty, and #RuralEducation to help your post reach others in the community and fellow legislators.
Engagement: Encourage your neighbors and friends to comment or share your post to demonstrate widespread community concern.
Would you like me to help you find local community groups or parent-teacher organizations in Pocahontas County where you could also share this information?
Sharing this information with local groups is a powerful next step for building community-led advocacy. In Pocahontas County, several organizations are directly involved in school improvement and family support.
School-Based Engagement Groups
Local School Improvement Councils (LSIC): These state-mandated councils exist at every school in the county and include parents, teachers, and community business representatives. They are directly involved in developing solutions to improve instructional programs and educational performance.
Communities In Schools (CIS) Pocahontas County: This organization connects students and families with community resources.
High School Site Coordinator: Lois Wilfong | (304) 799-6564 ext. 5259 | lois.wilfong@k12.wv.us.
Green Bank Site Coordinator: Marsha Grimes | (304) 456-4865 ext. 4240 | mbeverag@k12.wv.us.
West Virginia Parent Training and Information (WVPTI): A statewide non-profit that empowers families to be strong advocates in their children's education.
Contact: (304) 997-8316 | wvpti@aol.com.
Community Advocacy & Support Organizations
Pocahontas County Family Resource Network (FRN): A central hub for strengthening families and connecting them with local resources.
Phone: (304) 799-6847.
High Rocks Educational Corporation: A local leader in educational programs focused on leadership and community impact for young people.
Phone: (304) 653-4891.
The Education Alliance: A statewide non-profit that advocates for quality public education and mobilizes businesses to support student outcomes.
Next Steps for Sharing
Contact your school principal to find out when the next LSIC meeting is held; these meetings are ideal for presenting data on the "revenue cliff".
Reach out to the Family Resource Network to see if they can include this information in their next community update or meeting.
Engage with the West Virginia PTA (wv_office@pta.org) to see if they have a local chapter or can provide broader advocacy tools.
Would you like me to find the names and contact information for the current members of the Pocahontas County Board of Education?
Communicating with your local Board of Education is a critical way to address district-level responses to the fiscal crisis. Below is the contact information for the current members of the Pocahontas County Board of Education as of March 2026.
Pocahontas County Board of Education Members
| Name | Role | Phone | Email Address |
| Emery Grimes | President | (304) 261-2215 | emeryggrimes@icloud.com |
| Sam Gibson | Member | (304) 651-5695 | samhoward030@gmail.com |
| Morgan McComb | Member | (304) 799-6599 | mmccomb@k12.wv.us |
| Sue Hollandsworth | Member | (304) 653-4432 | drsue06@gmail.com |
| Andrew "Frosty" McNabb | Member | (Not listed) | frostymac3579@icloud.com |
District Leadership
Superintendent: Leatha Williams
Phone: (304) 799-4505 ext. 2227
Email: lgwillia@k12.wv.us
Treasurer/Director of Finance: Sarah Hamilton
Phone: (304) 799-4505 ext. 2222
Email: sehamilton@k12.wv.us
How to Engage at the Local Level
Attend Board Meetings: The Board typically meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Board of Education Conference Room in Buckeye. Public delegation is usually allowed at the beginning of the meeting.
Request a Meeting with the Superintendent: Given the fiscal complexities, meeting with Superintendent Williams or the Director of Finance, Sarah Hamilton, can help you understand the district's specific plan for managing the "revenue cliff" mentioned in the report.
Submit Written Comments: You can use the summary drafted earlier and mail it directly to the central office:
Pocahontas County Schools
404 Old Buckeye Road
Buckeye, WV 24924
Would you like me to help you prepare a specific list of questions for the Board of Education regarding their strategy for handling the upcoming enrollment drop?
Preparing a targeted list of questions is a highly effective way to hold the Board of Education accountable for the findings in the fiscal crisis report. These questions focus on the "revenue cliff," student outcomes, and the structural risks facing the district.
Here is a list of specific questions you can present at a Board meeting or in written correspondence:
On Fiscal Strategy and the "Revenue Cliff"
The 1,400 Funding Floor: "With the current legislative focus on lowering the funding floor to 1,200 students (HB 5453), what is the Board’s specific contingency plan for the potential $3 million loss in 'ghost student' funding?"
Stranded Costs: "As students leave via the Hope Scholarship, how does the Board intend to manage 'stranded costs' like transportation and building maintenance that do not decrease when a student exits the system?"
The Three-Year Horizon: "The report predicts a 25% enrollment drop over the next three years. Has the Board conducted a formal 'stress test' of the budget to see at what point the district becomes fiscally insolvent?"
On Academic Integrity and Student Outcomes
Proficiency vs. Graduation: "While our graduation rate is 94%, proficiency in Math (45%) and Science (36%) is significantly lower. What instructional changes are being made to ensure a diploma represents actual subject mastery?"
Credit Recovery Oversight: "How is the Board monitoring the use of credit recovery programs to ensure they are not being used as a 'path of least resistance' to maintain high-performing metrics at the expense of academic rigor?"
Loss of Electives: "With recent staff abolishments in English, Social Studies, and Business, how will the Board ensure that Pocahontas County High School students remain competitive with peers from larger, better-funded districts?"
On Student Support and Infrastructure
Mental Health and Safety: "Why are certified counselor positions being replaced with 'Graduation Coaches,' and how will the Board ensure that the mental health and bullying concerns of students are addressed by qualified professionals?"
Administrative Consolidation: "With the loss of Assistant Principal roles, what is the plan to prevent administrative burnout and ensure consistent discipline and instructional leadership across all school buildings?"
Facilities Maintenance: "With only $169,000 allocated for capital outlay, how does the Board plan to address the long-term safety and maintenance needs of our aging school facilities?"
On Advocacy and Local Control
State Intervention Risk: "What specific 'corrective actions' is the Board taking now to prevent the West Virginia Board of Education from declaring a state of emergency and assuming direct control of our local schools?"
Legislative Advocacy: "Is the Board formally lobbying for the 'Rural Isolation Factor' (SB 437) to ensure our unique geographic challenges are recognized in the state funding formula?"
Would you like me to help you format these into a formal letter that can be submitted for the record at the next Board of Education meeting?
A formal letter submitted for the record is a powerful tool because it ensures your concerns are documented in the official meeting minutes. Here is a draft formatted for that purpose.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
Pocahontas County Board of Education
404 Old Buckeye Road
Buckeye, WV 24924
RE: Formal Comment Regarding the Structural and Fiscal Crisis of Pocahontas County Schools
To President Grimes, Superintendent Williams, and Members of the Board:
I am submitting this letter for the official record to express grave concern regarding the "revenue cliff" and instructional erosion currently facing our district. As outlined in recent fiscal analyses, the convergence of shrinking enrollment and legislative shifts (specifically HB 5453) threatens the very existence of our local school system.
I request that the Board provide the community with transparent answers to the following critical concerns:
Fiscal Solvency and the "Funding Floor": With the potential legislative drop of the funding floor from 1,400 to 1,200 students, the district faces a loss of nearly $3 million in state aid. What is the specific multi-year contingency plan to address this gap without compromising the safety and basic education of the remaining 800+ students?
Instructional Quality vs. Metrics: While the district reports a 94% graduation rate, current proficiency in Math (45%) and Science (36%) suggests a significant achievement gap. How is the Board addressing the "Credit Recovery" abuse cited in recent reports to ensure our students are actually prepared for post-secondary success?
The Loss of Student Support: The abolition of core teaching positions and the replacement of certified counselors with "Graduation Coaches" leaves our students vulnerable. How will the Board mitigate the risks of unchecked bullying and the lack of mental health resources resulting from these staff reductions?
Stranded Costs and Rural Reality: Unlike suburban districts, we cannot eliminate bus routes or close buildings proportionally as students leave via the Hope Scholarship. How is the district lobbying the state to recognize a "Rural Isolation Factor" to protect our unique geographic needs?
We are currently in a "legislative buffer zone" that is rapidly closing. I urge the Board to prioritize structural realignment and aggressive advocacy for rural funding to prevent a state-declared emergency or the loss of local control.
I look forward to hearing these issues addressed in your upcoming reports and look forward to a formal response.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Submission Instructions:
Bring Copies: Print at least seven copies (five for the Board members, one for the Superintendent, and one for the Board Secretary to keep for the minutes).
The Delegation Process: At the start of the meeting, there is usually a "Delegations" or "Public Comment" section. You can stand and read the letter aloud or simply state, "I am submitting these formal questions for the record and request a written response."
Follow Up: If you do not receive a response within two weeks, follow up with the Board Secretary to ensure the letter was included in the meeting’s official "Correspondence" file.
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