WVU’s Kevin Pittsnogle named principal amid state of emergency

By Amelia Ferrell Knisely

west virginia watch

Former West Virginia University basketball standout Kevin Pittsnogle will serve as principal at Martinsburg North Middle School, which is under a state of emergency due to a “chaotic and occasionally hostile” environment and low academic performance.

The West Virginia Board of Education declared a state of emergency in May after 23 Title IX violations regarding discrimination and 160 physical fights during the past school year.

West Virginia Department of Education staff members, who visited the school, also found that students were regularly hostile and ignored redirection from teachers.

There were academic shortfalls, too, as a state report showed only 6% of students demonstrated proficiency in math skills.

Pittsnoggle, 40, has been in the role of school principal for nearly two weeks and focused on moving the school in a “positive direction” through setting expectations for students and staff.

“The biggest thing is the discipline — being able to come in and focus … and make sure kids understand this is a place of learning,” he said. “Our teachers [need] to have the opportunity to teach and not have them have to worry about things in the report.

Students said, according to the WVDE report, that discipline was inconsistent and unfair.

Pittsnogle said he has planned a week of professional development and discussions with teachers to “hopefully get things started on the right foot.”

Additionally, he said school leaders will meet monthly with WVDE staff and the local board of education members to show progress in addressing numerous issues outlined in the report.

English skills were also low as 24% of students were proficient in English, which is below the statewide proficiency average for middle schools of 54% “At this point, what we’re focusing on is setting up the positive changes … we want the state to easily see the action [we’ve taken],” said Pittsnogle, who is from Martinsburg. “I’m happy to have the opportunity to be a part of something that hopefully is huge — to see that these things can be turned around.”

The county board of education appointed Pittsnogle to the role in July after the former principal was placed on administrative leave in the spring as the state considered a state of emergency for the district.

Pittsnogle has more than a decade of experience with Berkeley County Schools and most recently served as an assistant principal at Musselman High School since 2021, according to a news release.

He also served as a teacher and case manager at Hedgesville High School and Martinsburg High School, as well as an assistant principal in Morgan County Schools.

“Kevin Pittsnogle brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of effective leadership in discipline, instructional data analysis, and fostering a positive school climate,” said Dr. Ryan Saxe, the county’s new superintendent of schools. “I am confident that under his leadership, North Middle School will continue to thrive and provide an exceptional learning environment for all students.”

Pittsnogle, 6’11” and former WVU center, was inducted into the university’s hall of fame in 2017. He played basketball for the Mountaineers from 2003-2006 and became WVU’s first basketball All-American since 1972.

Berkeley County prohibits principals from serving as a head basketball coach — a job Pittsnogle said he wasn’t interested in as he focuses on being a principal. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Athletic Education and Master of Arts in Teaching, both of which he completed at WVU.

West Virginia Watch is an independent, nonpartisan news service based in Charleston. Its website is at https://westvirginiawatch. com/.

“At this point, what we’re focusing on is setting up the positive changes.”

Kevin Pittsnogle Principal Martinsburg North Middle School