Marion County Schools Superintendent to Depart After 5-Year Tenure

Board of Education unable to reach agreement on contract extension for Donna Heston

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Donna Heston, the superintendent of Marion County Schools in West Virginia, has announced that she will not return for the 2026-27 school year. The Marion County Board of Education was unable to reach a consensus to extend Heston's $154,000 per year contract after an executive session on Monday.

Why it matters

Heston's departure marks a significant change in leadership for the Marion County school district, which has seen stability and progress under her five-year tenure. Her exit raises questions about the future direction of the school system and the factors that led to the inability to extend her contract.

The details

Heston, who has been the superintendent since 2021 and signed a four-year extension in 2022, told the Times West Virginian that she would have been "honored to finish [her] career in Marion County" but that it "does not appear that [she] will have the opportunity to do that." Board member Thomas Draggich, a retired Marion County educator, praised Heston's leadership and the positive direction she had taken the district, saying her rapport with students and recognition of their accomplishments were factors in his decision to seek re-election.

  • Heston has been the superintendent of Marion County Schools since 2021.
  • Heston signed a four-year contract extension in 2022.
  • Heston's current contract will expire on June 30.

The players

Donna Heston

The outgoing superintendent of Marion County Schools in West Virginia, who has led the district since 2021.

Thomas Draggich

A retired Marion County educator and current member of the Marion County Board of Education, who praised Heston's leadership and the positive direction she had taken the district.

Marion County Board of Education

The governing body of the Marion County school district, which was unable to reach a consensus to extend Heston's contract.

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What they’re saying

“My heart is in Marion County. I would have been honored to finish my career in Marion County. Unfortunately, it does not appear that I will have the opportunity to do that.”

— Donna Heston, Outgoing Superintendent (Times West Virginian)

“I'm thankful we've had her for five years and I appreciate everything she's done for Marion County. Somebody is going to have an outstanding superintendent.”

— Thomas Draggich, Board Member (wvmetronews.com)

What’s next

The Marion County Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting for Friday at 10 a.m. to discuss Heston's departure and the process for finding a new superintendent.

The takeaway

Heston's exit from the Marion County school district after five years of successful leadership highlights the challenges that can arise even in districts with stable, effective superintendents. The inability to extend her contract raises questions about the factors that led to this outcome and the importance of maintaining continuity in school district leadership.