Welcome Message from the Superintendent
Welcome to the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB)! It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the Superintendent of an institution dedicated to empowering students with Deafness, Hard of Hearing, and Visual Impairments.
At WVSDB, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where all students can excel academically, socially, and personally. Our talented and passionate staff work every day to create meaningful learning experiences that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are proud to support their growth in a space where inclusivity, respect, and excellence are at the heart of everything we do.
Whether it’s through our specialized programs, career readiness initiatives, or community engagement, our focus is on preparing students for a bright future. By providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, we are helping to shape the next generation of leaders, innovators, and advocates.
I encourage you to explore our website to learn more about the inspiring work happening here at WVSDB. Together, we will continue to achieve great things and build a community where every student can achieve their highest potential.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. I look forward to the exciting things we will accomplish together.
Sincerely,
Superintendent W. Clayton Burch
Background
Clayton Burch, Superintendent of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Romney, WV, has over 25 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership. He previously served as the 32nd State Superintendent of Schools, guiding West Virginia’s education system through the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership focused on student support, equity, and closing achievement gaps, while working closely with state and local partners.
A strong advocate for children’s well-being and academic success, Burch prioritizes social-emotional support, technology access, and eliminating barriers to learning. He has also championed professional growth for educators by fostering collaboration and building leadership capacity in schools. Throughout his career, Burch has advised national organizations, the U.S. Department of Education and served under multiple governors to strengthen education initiatives across the state.
Mission
The mission of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind is to empower students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, Low Vision, or Deafblind to reach their full potential through a comprehensive array of school-based and statewide programs that support students, families, and professional partners.
Vision
Students in West Virginia who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, Low Vision, or Deafblind will have access to opportunities that challenge them academically, inspire professional achievement, and support their success in socially meaningful, real-world environments.
Current Initiatives
Personalized Education and Support
WVSDB is committed to creating an environment where every student feels valued and respected. We are implementing initiatives that focus on inclusion across all aspects of school life, ensuring that our students receive an education that celebrates their unique identities and abilities.
Enhancing Career Readiness Programs
We are expanding and improving our Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings to ensure our students are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce. New programs and partnerships are being developed to provide hands-on training in high-demand fields, giving our students valuable real-world experience.
Improvement of Campus Facilities
As part of our respect for tradition, we are restoring the historical buildings on campus while updating them to meet the modern needs of our students. This balance between preserving history and advancing into the future creates a campus that honors its legacy while embracing innovation.
Leadership Team
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