WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV – First Lady Cathy Justice joined school administrators, superintendents, and educational leaders from across the state at the 2024 West Virginia Leaders of Education Conference. Hosted by the West Virginia K-12 Principals Association (WVPA), this highly anticipated annual event brings together professionals dedicated to preserving and advancing public education.

The conference, supported by partners including the West Virginia Department of Education, Lifetouch, the WV Heart Association, the WV Education Alliance, and Apple, Inc., provides a platform for collaboration, professional development, and resource sharing. It is open to all West Virginia school administrators, central office personnel, superintendents, WV Department of Education officials, aspiring administrators, and others who share a passion for strengthening public education.

First Lady Justice spoke on the first day of the conference, where she provided an update on Communities In Schools (CIS), her flagship education initiative. CIS West Virginia aims to provide students in need with essential resources and support to help them succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

“This conference is a wonderful opportunity for our state’s educational leaders to come together, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions to ensure the best outcomes for our students,” First Lady Cathy Justice said. “I am honored to share the progress we’ve made with Communities In Schools and how it continues to make a difference in the lives of West Virginia’s children. I look forward to working alongside these amazing educators for years to come.”

The West Virginia Leaders of Education Conference has seen strong attendance in recent years, drawing over 130 participants, including county superintendents and national vendors. The event serves as a vital networking and learning opportunity for education professionals statewide.

“Governor Justice and First Lady Justice have been in attendance at the conference for the last eight years, only missing to attend to the birth of their grandchild,” WVPA Executive Director Dr. Mickey Blackwell said. “The First Lady has partnered with state administrators in the creation and development of the Communities In Schools initiative, and she has always been a friend of our organization. We are thrilled to have her with us again this year."

Dr. Blackwell emphasized that First Lady Justice’s role as a member of the WV Board of Education will further strengthen her commitment to education.

“She has been a friend to children and schools throughout the state,” he said. “Administrators in our association look forward to working with her for years to come.”

For more information about the conference or WVPA, please contact Dr. Mickey Blackwell at [email protected] For more information about Communities In Schools, please visit www.ciswv.org