W. Clayton Burch was appointed by the West Virginia Board of Education as the 32ndState Superintendent of Schools on February 21, 2020.
Burch has served in both teaching and educational leadership positions for more than 25 years. His experience spans early childhood education to postsecondary administration.
An advocate for the well-being, engagement and lifelong achievement of all West Virginia children in grades pre-k through 12, he understands the importance of supporting the whole child through practical and systemic approaches.
Burch’s commitment to expanding leadership capacity in the state’s public school system is reflected in his efforts to build an infrastructure that not only leads to professional growth but also classroom success. With a focus on the critical need to establish effective coalitions and collaborations, he has developed key relationships across a spectrum of local, state and national partners to support the education community.
In 2018, while serving as the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Associate Superintendent, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice appointed Burch as acting cabinet secretaries to both the Department of Education and the Arts and the Department of Commerce. He fulfilled these roles while maintaining his responsibilities at the Department of Education.
Burch has served as an advisor to national organizations, the U.S. Department of Education, multiple governors and a past presidential committee on early childhood education. His passion for and commitment to the Mountain State have allowed him to use his leadership and proven ability to advance the status of teaching and learning while serving the children and families of West Virginia.