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Board Dismisses Wirt County Principal

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WTAP News
Posted: 11:50 AM Apr 17, 2008
Last Updated: 11:50 AM Apr 17, 2008
Reporter: Courtney Rochon
Email Address: courtney.rochon@wtap.com

53 comments

A | A | A

The Wirt County Board of Education has dismissed Principal J.D. Hoover from his job at the Middle School.

Hoover admitted to the Superintendent that he had guns on school property inside his car.

Superintendent Daniel Metz said Thursday morning said former principal and long-time teacher Dwight Goff is acting as Middle School Principal while applications are being sought for Hoover's permanent successor.
Metz declined to comment futher on Wednesday night's vote.

Hoover's dismissal stems from an October hunting accident.

Wirt county officials say Tony McCloy accidentally shot Christopher Giffen in the head.

Sources close the situation say while McCloy was taking Giffen to the hospital, he called Hoover and asked him to retrieve the guns from the woods.

Hoover was placed on administrative leave for bringing the guns onto school property in his car.

Charges were filed and later dropped. Hoover's attorney successfully argued that he legally had the guns inside his car.

All of that led to a tough decision Wednesday night for the board, but ultimately ended in dismissal.

Also Wednesday, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources filed charges against the shooter in the October hunting accident.

The Wirt County Sheriff's Department says the DNR charged Tony McCloy with negligent shooting, felony possession of a firearm and withholding information.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Dale Location: San Angelo on Jul 4, 2008 at 12:16 AM
As a graduate of Wirt County High an 18 year law enforcement veteran and the older brother of Dan Metz, I have been following this closely. First and foremost Mr. Hoover broke the law, plain and simple. From what I have read here, the ones that support him don't have a lot of respect for the law, or any authority i.e the walkout. As far as Dan Metz, he has dedicated his whole career to the children of Wirt County. Again the people on here that question his integrity don't appear to have much integrity of their own. As far as voting, educate yourself on the operation of a school board, the superintendent does not vote. As for watching my brother closely, you'll see a man that is truly dedicated to education and is a man that believes in doing what is right.

Posted by: John Location: Elizabeth on Apr 20, 2008 at 12:29 PM
I have read many of the comments posted on this page. I feel that instead of Mr. Metz holding grudges and throwing his weight around that he made a decision that truly supports the zero tolerance rules set forth by school administrations. If you are against the zero tolerance rules speak out against them, if you are for guns on school property speak out for them. Mr. Metz applied the rules to the situation and that I support. In my opinion, as a school offical this principal made a very poor decision, one that a person of his position should have realized. If he failed to make the correct decision in this matter, what are his capiblities on other issues? On comment in particular that I find very disturbing. It talks badly of our school system. You need to get better involved, because I see reason to believe that you speak out of anger rather than rational thought. Wirt County Schools are pretty highly ranked among West Virginia Schools. I challenge anyone to prove that wrong.

Posted by: Kelly Haines Location: Valley Mills on Apr 18, 2008 at 08:22 PM
How is it right that a man years back brought a gun on school property and now plays a big role in the schools? Tell me, how is that right. Also, if a parent is chewing tobacco, smoking a cigarette, or any other ILLEGAL substance while droping their kid off infront of the school, will they be arrested? Mr. Hoover had absoutly no intention of hurting anyone! If he was dishonest, none of this would have happened. But being the good, honest person that every one loves, he told the truth. Is this how you repay him!?!?!?! Wirt County Board of Education, go back and hide under your little pitiful ROCK! Thank you.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 18, 2008 at 04:48 PM
I understand Mr. Hoover made a poor decision. He also tampered with evidence. My concern would be as the school leader, if a crisis arose, would he be able to make the right judgement for the safety of the kids? I think this whole thing is being blown out of proportion. Everyone needs to "chill out". What if someone broke into his car and was able to gain access to the trunk and then the bullets in the glove box and shot a child? You better believe they would want Mr. Hoover to be held accountable for those actions.

Posted by: uncleD Location: Parkersburg on Apr 18, 2008 at 03:48 PM
This should've never happened. If Tony never had a gun in the first place then Christopher wouldn't have been shot in the head, paralized on his face, and have to worry about possible health problems in the future from this. BTW Tony was a convicted FELON for a firearm incident where he shot someone else. I don't know about you but it seems pretty convienent to me that Christopher gets shot by the dad of the girs he is sopposed to marry. What is the real reason? There is no way Christopher looks like a squirrel (that is what they were sopposed to be hunting not human) Tony is lucky all he is getting is a slap on the wrist! As for JD... how dumb can you be he was a principal and an educated man(although not too smart) he deserves to be fired. no guns on school property means no guns on school property!!!

Posted by: concerned on Apr 18, 2008 at 03:12 PM
The Wirt County Board of Education had the courage and commitment to do the right thing, most definitely not the easiest thing. I commend their dedication to the county and its' students. Board members as well others in elected positions often do what it easy, not necessarily what is right. This ordeal is truly a sad occurence. A man lost his job, and his reputation was tarnished. Even sadder, this is not the first time this has happened. Now, Mr. Hoover, go forth and prove us all wrong. If you truly are the educator you are commended to be, then show the people of Wirt and Calhoun counties what we have let go. By all means, get a job, be successful and rub it in our faces.

Posted by: James M. Bell Location: Washington on Apr 18, 2008 at 12:32 PM
I think the board was wrong and may have even violated Mr Hoover wrights to have a rilfe in his car under lock. Had some chiled found the guns shoot someone,I am sure the Board would have said Mr. Hoover should have retreived the guns.

Posted by: Karen Location: Parkersburg on Apr 18, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Mr. Hoover did wrong. He should not have went and got the guns from the person that shot the victim. Isn't that kind of abetting? Why wasnt he charged with interferring with an investigation or an accessory after the fact? If a student had guns in his trunk on school grounds, the student would be expelled. Firing Mr. Hoover got off easy if the only thing that happens is that he got fired! Quit saying poor Mr. Hoover, when Mr. Hoover knew what he was doing was wrong!!

Posted by: Lisa Location: Newark on Apr 18, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Re Parent: I am encouraging my children to stand for what they believe in. I also told them if they do a walkout, to walk around the school with their signs, not go out in traffic or something. I also teach my children that you forgive for mistakes. If a person speeds they get a ticket, not get their license revoked. If a person parks too long somewhere they get a ticket not their license revoked. Mr Hoover was suspended for 6 months, he shouldnt have lost his job. Would a child that brought an unloaded gun to school and locked it in his trunk be suspended for the rest of their school years? I doubt it! But if that is the way they want to handle it, then any student that breaks a rule should be permantly suspended. I also would like to say that Mr Hoover himself suspended my child from school. So how can you say he wasnt known for his discipline? But at the same time he cared enough to explain things to the kids and talk to them.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 18, 2008 at 09:32 AM
RE parent on Apr 17: I did encourage my child to do a walk out, at the same time I expalined that when they do they hold thier signs that protest the decision, because we still do have freedom of speech and can stand up for what we see as wrong, and I also told them to walk around the school, not out in traffic where they can get hurt! And as for Mr Hoover not disciplining, well my son got suspended by Mr Hoover for doing wrong. And I am definately not one who complains when my son gets in trouble, I encourage the teachers to tell me all my kids are doing wrong, and they get in trouble at home. I am one parent that wishes paddling was never taken out of schools! So I guess you got it all wrong. Mr Hoover was a good man, good principal, and he didnt deserve this! I dont encourage my children to rebel against anyone, only to do all you can do to stand. I also told them they may get detention or worse for walking out, but that is the price to pay for standing for what you believe.

Posted by: a mother Location: parkersburg on Apr 18, 2008 at 09:19 AM
No, he should not of been fired, right away! He should have been arrested for HIDING a gun used in a "accidentally shooting ", what kind of friend would ask ask you to hide a gun for them that they just used to shot someone, i know i would never do that for a FRIEND, a friend would not ask!

Posted by: How could you?! on Apr 18, 2008 at 08:55 AM
Why would you run a story like this one. You leave out important information like you do with ALL of your stories. You don't care if your ruin people's lives. I have know and went to church with JD for 17 years and he would never do anything to harm a child. He treats every child like his own. He was asked to go and retrieve a gun that was found close to the school grounds. He did not know it was used to shoot someone. The Wirt County B.O.E. failed to truly listen to him, and are just a bunch of hicks sitting around a table doing nothing. They are now facing hardship because of this situation, and you guys had the nerve to post that STUPID and IDIOTIC newspole question. You guys truly don't care about the person, or the person's feelings, or even the family. So I hope you're happy with what your doing. You just lost respect from over 1,200 people.

Posted by: Alfred Location: Parkersburg on Apr 18, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Come on why fire a man that is good in his job. It is time we need to make rules that are fair to all and not just to a few.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Wirt County on Apr 18, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Mr. Hoover has had 6 months to resign. The board would have much rather that been the choice, I am sure. No one forced him to fight this.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Mineral Wells on Apr 18, 2008 at 06:31 AM
I'm glad that the principal got fired because if he took his job so seriously then he should thought before he did anything like that. I understand that it was a friend in need of help but he still should of thought before he acted because Christopher got shoot and his life is praticly ruiend all because of someone shot him (why i would like to know that) and the sitsiuation should be handled the right way even if that means taking away someones job!

Posted by: Lisa Location: Mineral Wells on Apr 17, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Haven't we all used bad judgement in a time of crisis? I feel firing Hoover over this incident was a mistake. He had no intention of removing the weapons from his vehicle and school was not in session. I believe in rules and a punishment but that has already been served by almost 6 months without pay. It's a shame that being honest doesn't count for anything. It's also a shame that personal gain and agendas have hurt an innocent family. I only hope the administration in your school system sticks to the rules so diligently. You should be producing some model citizens. My prayers are with everyone involved. Much healing is needed for the entire situation.

Posted by: WCMS parents on Apr 17, 2008 at 11:38 PM
JD did make a mistake. We've all made a mistake in our lives and I'm sure if each and everyone of us were to look back upon our lives we would have done things differently. Yes this is a serious matter my child attends this school and no I don't want him back, but I feel so very sorry for his family. May GOD BLESS you! We must move forward now and pray that our next princpal will help us to heal. I do know that Mr Metz was a very good principal at the WCMS and truly feel that is where he belongs. Not in the position he is in now! You are in way over your head! You must keep you nose clean now because you will be watched and scrutinized by everyone. Its unfortunate but true. Heed the warning. As so many has expressed regarding grudges and family members needing jobs, these are normal feelings of a small town. But a small town doesn't forget very fast either. We support those in need and condemn those that we mistrust. Lets move on and Bless our Children with an education.

Posted by: Bruce Location: Elizabeth on Apr 17, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Mr. Hoover could have avoided all of this by taking the day in question off and staying at the site of the shooting until officers arrived. All of those who are getting pleasure from the pain of another should be ashamed. All vehicles entering school property should be inspected to make sure there are no weapons in them. Pray for the Hoovers. Pray that he is able to get gainful employment after all that has transpired.

Posted by: Thank You! Location: Newark on Apr 17, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Barry and Alice for reminding us of the TRUE victim and for sharing your thoughts. I will pray for your nephew and his family.

Posted by: tonia Location: newark on Apr 17, 2008 at 10:40 PM
JD HOOVER GOT WHAT HE ASK FOR NOW MAYBE HE WILL THINK BEFORE HE ACTS NEXT TIME THAT FRIEND BETTER BE A GOOD FRIEND BECOUSE HE IS GOING TO NEED HIM GOOD JOB BOE

Posted by: parent on Apr 17, 2008 at 10:26 PM
It amazes me that the parents who are supporting Mr. Hoover for breaking school policy are the same ones that now want their children to walk out of school. They are encouraging their children to rebel against the teachers and principal of the school. It is not safe for students to walk out of school. I'm sure that these are also the parents that come in and complain if their "Johnnie" gets in trouble at school. Perhaps that is why they are so sad that Mr. Hoover is leaving. He wasn't well known for his discipline. One more comment...if it were your child (brother, nephew, etc) that was shot during the hunting "accident", would you still feel the same way? Think about it...

Posted by: anonymous Location: pburg on Apr 17, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Mr. Metz must have another family member or friend of the family that needs a job, theres a pattern there.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 17, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Sometimes you make judgements based on partial knowledge. Those Board members spent 6 hours going over the evidence presented independently by both sides and based their decision on all the facts that we do not know. I know all the board members and they are independent thinkers. I trust them for they see things that I do not. It must have been a gut wrenching decision for them. We live in America where both sides present their case and the process decides. Stop mud slinging. No one wins here. We must pull together and move on. Pray for the Hoovers they are not bad people. This should have never became a Hoover vs. Metz battle.

Posted by: Fred Location: Elizabeth on Apr 17, 2008 at 09:01 PM
The firing of JD Hoover brings an end to a sad chapter for Wirt County Schools, where no one wins. A wonderful community and school system is darkened by these events. Hoover is not a mean malicious man but made a serious error in judgement which can not be tolerated in our world today. We will move on and be better for it. God Bless the Hoovers this will be very hard to recover from and God Bless Dan Metz who did what was hard and ethical and became the target for doing so.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 17, 2008 at 08:49 PM
I'm sorry. Did Anonymous just say that guns are not an everyday occurance in Wirt County? How funny!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Elizabeth on Apr 17, 2008 at 08:35 PM
I believe that Mr. Hoover did make a mistake, but haven't we all. He did admit to making a mistake, so why didn't the BOE speak to him privately and give him a chance to resign instead of firing him? Seems to me that someone in the school system had a bit of a personal grudge going on!

Posted by: Curtus B on Apr 17, 2008 at 08:34 PM
You don't have to live in Wirt County to recognise that there was incredible pressure on the Board and on the administrator here. NO decision would have pleased everyone. Therefore, the board should issue a statement explaining their decision. At least then, anonymous posters wouldn't be able to second guess their motives and make accusations of bias and favoritism.

Posted by: Wirt County High School Student Location: Elizabeth on Apr 17, 2008 at 07:16 PM
I am a junior at Wirt Co. High.I attended middle school the first year that Hoover became prinipal.He is a good man and accomplished a lot for the school.However,I disagree with his actions regarding bringing a gun onto school property.Hoover left to take care of "personal business".Hoover was then found to have had a WEAPON on school property.That is against the West Virginia Safe Schools Policy.Regardless of whether or not Hoover is a good man,accomplished much for the school,or had no intention of using the gun ,he did BREAK THE LAW.As for threatening the BOE and Metz,be reasonable.The BOE made their decision WITHOUT a vote from Metz.Metz was allowed to voice HIS opinion about Hoover, the same as YOU are/were.In the end leaving rude and threatening comments about the BOE and Metz is uncalled for.Saying rude and hrutful things will not get you anywhere.The decision was made and you should be supporing instead of complaining.If you have that much of a problem transfer or leave .

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 17, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Good job BOE .

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Elizabeth, WV on Apr 17, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Mr. Hoover got what he deserved. We are fortunate to live in a small town where guns are not an every day occurance. We can't let him get away with this. What would be next???

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Elizabeth on Apr 17, 2008 at 06:12 PM
I personally think mr.hoovers termiation was done to help bring in people of the "click" that the wirt county education staff has....i was a student under mr. hoover, he has done alot for the middle school and for the students..

Posted by: DON Location: PARKERSBURG on Apr 17, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Wirt Co. school board did the right thing.This story sounded fishy from the start.

Posted by: Lisa Location: Newark on Apr 17, 2008 at 05:28 PM
RE: Paul...... I agree, and I for one will be watching, as will my kids... They are watching for any teacher they know who smokes, dips, or chews, and are going to let me know so I can report them and have their vehicles checked for having tobacco locked in their vehicles " on school property ".... Also any teacher that has as much as a tylonol, because there is no tolerance for that either... Rules are rules right? My kids may get detention, but they are planning the walk out for Monday or Tuesday, and have many supporters... I dont think it is over as some say, because a good man was done very wrong, and I have been taught and taught my kids to stand up for stuff like this, and stand against it... God Bless all of you who know that you must not judge, and are good Christian people who know he made a mistake that did not hurt anyone and did not deserve this... And I pray that Mr Hoover and his family get through this.

Posted by: Amazed Location: Parkersburg on Apr 17, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Yes let's pray for the all families involved, but where has anyone mentioned praying for the actual VICTIM in this case? Christopher (the boy that was shot) still has partial paralyzation to his face. Due to the negligence of a grown adult who isn't even supposed to OWN a firearm, this boy was shot. Everyone needs our thoughts and prayers, but let's please not forget those who have been innocently affected.

Posted by: concerned Location: Elizabeth on Apr 17, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Please pray for all individuals concerned in this matter. The decision has been made, pray for the Hoover family that they will be okay and be wrapped in God's care, no matter who's fault anything was. Pray for the superintendent and the board members, that there was no malice in their decision, and they actually have the school's concerns in mind and not a personal vendetta. This bickering and arguing is doing no good, and no good will come of it. Teachers, students, and families are split because of this. Pray for healing and lessons learned by everyone involved. But mostly, pray for the Hoover family and understanding for the children that attend the middle school.

Posted by: anonymous Location: newark on Apr 17, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Ok its over he is gone move on...Education and safety comes first...think about it do we really need some one like that as an example for our kids... thats like sure go ahead rob a bank then call him and say hey can you hide the money, bet he does..you just have to give him a piece of the cut...ha ha move on Wirt County, the Board did what was right!

Posted by: anonymous Location: Elizabeth on Apr 17, 2008 at 03:23 PM
So much is being said about the safety of our schools, better start checking classrooms and how students are being treated behind closed doors then. At least Hoover admitted to his wrong doings.

Posted by: proud parent Location: wirt on Apr 17, 2008 at 02:39 PM
I dont see why some parents are upset about his dismissal, really i think the school has been running smoothly since he has been gone, the only ones who miss or need him, are the ones who cant raise the money for their sports equipment..wake up wirt county safety is our main concern! Not everything evolves around sports! Thank you Board of Education you made the right decision....

Posted by: paul Location: elizabeth on Apr 17, 2008 at 02:08 PM
I think that Mr. Metz should know that the people of Wirt County are to be watching very closely EVERY thing he does in the future. We know he has his favorites. We WILL be watching you MR. Metz and also the board members.

Posted by: barry&alice Location: ohio on Apr 17, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Poor Mr.Hoover,GIVE ME A BREAK!Our nephew was shot and is injured for life,and the principal is who we are feeling sorry for.He aided tony by hiding the gun used to shoot Mr. Giffin so he could blame it on some mystery hunter.And you people say he did nothing wrong!Anyone with half a brain should be able to understand why Mr.Hoover has lost his job!this is not ROCKET SCIENCE!And why this took six months is unbelievable!Lets remember just who the real victim is here.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Leroy on Apr 17, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Sometimes bad things happen to good people and sometimes good people make the wrong decisions. It is unfortunate for the BOE and Mr. Hoover that this situation ever occured. However the law states no guns on school property and he had guns on school property. He could have parked 50 feet away from the school that day ,on private property and this would have been avoided. We are constantly telling our children that they need to be responsible for their actions, and that they need to learn from their mistakes. We do this so as adults they can make mature , educated decisions. Mr. Hoover is an adult and should have taken time to think and made the right decision for himself. Though his loyalty to his friend is to be commended it was the wrong decision as the results prove.

Posted by: Proud Location: Elizabeth on Apr 17, 2008 at 01:54 PM
RE: Sandy I am very proud of the Wirt County school system. As for having reached "rock bottom" we are one of only two or three counties who met adequate yearly progress(AYP) last year and have done so for the last several years. We recently had an extensive federal review of our Title 1 program and received rave reviews. As for who is running the school system, if you were at the Board meeting the other night, you saw six people at the table at the front of the room and the superintendent was the ONLY one who did not vote. Now maybe students and adults will realize that the choices they make may lead to life-changing consequences.

Posted by: Tina Fitzwater Location: newark wv on Apr 17, 2008 at 01:29 PM
i believe this is the right thing for the board to do. if a principal was aloud to bring guns then the kids are going to try and bring them too. by canceling his contract this nips any other trouble in the bud.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Parkersburg on Apr 17, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Apparently none of you have ever ehard of the National Law called the Gun-Free School Zone Act??? It clearly states that a violation is not more then $5000 fine and not more then 5 years in Jail. Maybe he shouldbe lucky he only lost his job. We need less gun control laws, but also need to enforce the ones that are already in place. Do some research on this National law then post more comments.

Posted by: anonymous Location: ohio on Apr 17, 2008 at 12:31 PM
The board is wrong. The principal didn't deserve more than a written disciplinary action. When are people going to quit going over board on the innocent small stuff and just take care of real issues! No one was at danger at any time. A good principal lost just because some wish to throw their weight around!

Posted by: Right Decision on Apr 17, 2008 at 12:20 PM
If Hoover had nothing to hide and wanted the his so-called truth out then why did he request a closed hearing? This was the right call and I commend the BOE on their decision. Wirt County has a great school system and if you disagree then go ahead and leave. Nobody is begging you or making you stay.

Posted by: Philip Location: Parkersburg, WV on Apr 17, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Odd that "accidentally shot" equals "negligent shooting" when your name isn't Cheney.

Posted by: sandy Location: elizabeth on Apr 17, 2008 at 10:51 AM
When one man can dictate an entire county's school system and ruin another person's life, it's not right. The board of education members need to realize that the superintendent works for the board, not the other way around. They seldom question anything this man says. Wirt County citizens, please look at what is happening before our school system hits rock bottom (if it hasn't already). It's too late this year, but please look around and find qualified people to run for the board of education next election. Wirt County is known as the county you can get away with murder (ask the D.A.), this certainly hasn't helped its reputation. Wood and Jackson counties, please accept our students if any want to cross the county lines to go to your schools. Our kids deserve better than they are getting in the Wirt school system.

Posted by: Jay Michaels Location: Williamstown, WV on Apr 17, 2008 at 10:51 AM
The Wirt County Board of Educatiopn made a mistake. Hopefully they are not to proud to admit it and right their wrong.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Parkersburg on Apr 17, 2008 at 10:43 AM
A situation of having a gun on school property has happened before and that principal had to either take an early retirement or lose his job. There's not much difference here. He should not have went and gotten the guns.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: ohio on Apr 17, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Threatening somebody or not he still had the guns on school property. Is this the kind of example you want set for your kids? That it's okay to break the rules if you're helping a friend? He's lucky that being fired is all that he's gotten or atleast so far. What about tampering with evidence? I think he deserves something for that too. For being a well educated man he sure does lack some common sense. He should have known better and should have called the police when his friend told him that he shot someone instead of trying to help his friend cover it up. I also think Tony deserves more charges than what he's being charged with. I don't see how you can accidentally shoot someone in the head. I guess these two guys are just two peas in a pod considering they both lack common sense completely.

Posted by: dave Location: marietta on Apr 17, 2008 at 06:59 AM
found not guilty, and still loses his job... what's wrong with this picture? The ADULT had the weapon locked up ammo in the trunk. It would be a totally different if he was threatening somebody with it. I think JD Hoover was wrongfully terminated, the six months on administative leave would have been enough under the circumstances.

Posted by: tammy krantz Location: elizabeth, wv on Apr 17, 2008 at 06:01 AM
I think that Jd hoover should have another chance. Gods knows that if it was Dan Metz they would have given him a 2nd. chance. They dont know what they just lost