Article written by Ainsley Hall and published in The Journal on April 22, 2026, link to article HERE.
Leadership Berkeley focused on education on Tuesday, April 21 as they visited local schools like Hedgesville Middle School, where they heard from 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year Emily McDonald, James Rumsey Technical Institute, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College and Faith Christian Academy. They also visited the Berkeley County Board Office where they heard a presentation from Superintendent Ryan Saxe about the Bond Call for the upcoming election.
Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce President Kristie Hadley explained that education is one of the strongest long-term investments in the community. The Chamber wants every Leadership Berkeley Class to understand the schools' impact on the economy, workforce and quality of life. Seeing the schools first-hand helps them understand that.
“My hope for this new class is that they walk away with a clearer understanding of how interconnected our systems are—and that they feel empowered to use their influence, networks and expertise to support students, educators and families in meaningful ways,” Hadley said.
Saxe welcomed the group of businesses owners and community leaders to the board office and began his presentation by introducing himself. He is finishing his second year as the Superintendent of Berkeley County Schools after coming here from Cabell County, West Virginia. Since moving to the area, his family has fallen in love with the area. During these two years, Saxe explained that there have been some changes to make sure that Berkeley County Schools are in the best position to improve performance and meet the needs of the community.
Berkeley County is a growing community, and as a result the schools are “bursting at the seams.” Saxe said that only two of the 32 schools are not at or over student capacity. The 2022 Bond Call has addressed some of the needs by funding 102 projects which are 93% complete, but there is still a need for more space. This new bond will fund new buildings, expansions, renovations and repairs. The biggest projects will include building a new Hedgesville Middle School and making the old building a new Alternative Learning space, as well as building a Career and Technical Education Center.
Saxe took time to answer several questions, including how this information is being shared with the community. Saxe explained that Berkeley County Schools has prepared virtual meetings where the community can learn more, with the next event being scheduled for April 28 at 6 p.m. Saxe is also meeting with local groups like rotary clubs to share more information and encourages people to reach out so they can share their plan for future schools.
“Strong schools build strong communities and a strong workforce,” Saxe said. “We want them to walk away with the best information that allows them to support what we are working toward.”
For more information about the Bond Call, visit https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/.