Amherst school board approves contract extension for Superintendent Wells

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Justin Faulconer

The Amherst County School Board voted July 21 to approve an amended contract for Superintendent William Wells through June 30, 2027. The vote was unanimous with all seven board members present.

Wells, a lifelong county resident, has served in the superintendent role since June 2022 and oversees the Amherst County Public Schools division of nearly 4,000 students and 10 schools. He began his educational career as a social studies teacher at the Monroe Alternative School in 1993 and two years later began teaching at Amherst County High School where he later became assistant principal in 2004 for an 8-year stint.

He served two years as principal of Monelison Middle School and took over as the high school's principal in 2014. In 2018, he became the division's assistant superintendent and four years later, he was chosen to succeed Rob Arnold, who held the position for four years.

The board's unanimous vote at a special called meeting July 21 came after a lengthy closed session with all seven board members present.

"I am grateful to the School Board for their continued trust and support regarding the extension of my contract," Wells said in an email to the New Era-Progress. "It is a privilege to serve the Amherst Community and I remain committed to working alongside our dedicated staff, engaged families and supportive community to ensure the success and well-being of every student. Together, we will continue to build on the progress we've made and strive for even greater outcomes in the years ahead."

Board member Priscilla Liggon, the current board's longest-serving member of 26 years, praised Wells' leadership.

"Dr. Wells is doing a very good job for the children and the Amherst community as superintendent," Liggon said.

Board member Dawn Justice, who is finishing her first term on the board this year and running for a new one in the Nov. 4 election, also complimented his performance.

"I'm thankful we have him," Justice said. "He's doing a good job and I'm glad we can extend his contract."

Wells' new contract includes a 3% pay raise in line with what ACPS employees received for the 2025-26 year.

During his career, Wells was director of career and technical education at the high school from 2010 to 2012. As assistant superintendent, he oversaw maintenance, transportation services, assisted with the division's capital improvement plan and coordinated with division safety teams.

Wells also coached track and field, wrestling and football from 1993 to 2002 and he also served in the military, including a tour of duty as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom from Mother Day's 2005 to September 2006 where he was part of a military transition team advising an Iraqi army battalion.

In the past few years, Wells and ACPS administration pushed "Show Up Amherst," an initiative to get students, parents and community members more engaged with the school division and began community dinners at the Madison Heights Community Center, an event held in January since 2023.

Another major milestone under his tenure is the addition and renovation to Amherst County High School, a $32 million-plus project which broke ground in the fall of 2023 and is still ongoing. It includes a new auditorium, dining area and revamped entrance at the rear of the school, a fieldhouse next to the baseball field and numerous other improvements and upgrades throughout the building.

A groundbreaking on the new addition is set for Aug. 2 at the high school, 139 Lancer Lane in Amherst, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Justin Faulconer, (434) 473-2607

jfaulconer@newsadvance.com

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Reporter/Editor of Amherst New-Era Progress and Nelson County Times

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