Executive Committee

Jennifer Caradine, Esq., Monongalia County Schools

President 

Jennifer Caradine has been employed as Legal Counsel with Monongalia County Schools for eight years. Prior to her in-house position, she was a Partner at Jackson Kelly PLLC, and before that, part of the School Law Practice Group at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. She has practiced school law for 20 years.

As Legal Counsel for Monongalia County Schools, Jennifer is responsible for a number of human resources functions, including representing the Board of Education in administrative grievance hearings, managing policy updates, reviewing and updating job descriptions, and overseeing the service side of personnel for the county. Outside of human resources, she provides legal services to the administration and board of education.

Jennifer received her Bachelor’s Degree from Bethany College and her Juris Doctor from West Virginia University. She is admitted to practice in the states of West Virginia and Pennsylvania, the Northern District of West Virginia, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. 

Rachel Ringler, Jefferson County Schools

President-Elect

Rachel Ringler brings over two decades of dedicated service to the West Virginia School System, with a career marked by leadership, and a deep commitment to student success. She currently serves as the Human Resources Coordinator for Service Support in Jefferson County Schools, a role she has held for more than three years.

Prior to her current position, Rachel spent eight years as a Special Education Coordinator, where she championed inclusive practices and supported special education programs across the district. Her career in education spans 13 years in the classroom, including work as a Preschool Special Needs Teacher. She also served as an adjunct professor for three years and held a supervisory role at West Virginia University for 11 years, mentoring aspiring educators.

Rachel holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Clarion University, a Master’s Degree in Early Intervention Special Education from West Virginia University, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Her diverse experience and academic background reflect a lifelong dedication to advancing educational excellence and supporting both students and staff.

Samantha Viands, Jefferson County Schools

Treasurer

Denise Fletcher, Nicholas County Schools

Secretary

With more than 20 years of experience in education and human resources, Denise Fletcher is dedicated to advancing excellence across West Virginia’s public schools. She began her career in 2001 as a Substitute Teacher for Randolph County Schools and later served as a Pre-School Special Needs Teacher where she solidified her passion for inclusive and student-centered education.

Denise served nine years as the Director of Personnel and Human Resources for Randolph County Schools where she led all aspects of human resource management including recruitment, retention, policy development, and employee relations. She mentored educators and administrators to foster growth and organizational excellence. In her current position as Assistant Superintendent of Nicholas County Schools, Denise is committed to shaping district culture, improving workforce systems, and ensuring compliance with state and district policies during a period of state intervention.  Driven by a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives, Denise continues to champion initiatives that empower educators and enhance student achievement across the state.

Denise holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Fairmont State College and an M.A. in Leadership Studies from Marshall University.

Dr. Kristal Filipek, Mercer County Schools

Immediate Past President

Dr. Kristal G. Filipek has been employed with Mercer County Schools for over 20 years. During her employment with Mercer County Schools her experiences began as a Teacher, Dean of Students, progressed to an Elementary Principal, Supervisor of Special Education and Title I, and Elementary Supervisor/Pre-K Coordinator to her current position as Human Resource Director.  

As the Human Resource Director for Mercer County Schools she oversees, plans and directs a program for selection and assignment of the best qualified teachers and personnel. Ensures that new employees meet fingerprinting, background check, and drug testing requirements. She plans, develops, and revises personnel management policies in accordance with state legislation while organizing a corps of substitute teachers and service personnel, and supervises their assignments to schools as needed. Dr. Filipek directs the necessary processing for issuance and renewal of state credentials, certifies classification, education levels, and experience for salary purposes, and assumes administrative responsibility for duties of the personnel services office. She has oversight of workers’ compensation claim management, switchboard operation, mail/copy room operations, and substitute calling and assignment and maintains a return-to-work/modified work program in regard to workers’ compensation claims for up to 1800 employees. 

Dr. Filipek received her Elementary Degree from Concord College, her Masters in Reading from Marshall University and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Marshall University. Dr. Filipek has taught many online college courses in Education Leadership for Marshall University and Concord University for the past eight years.  In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, biking and traveling with her husband, Mike.  

David Soltesz, Marshall County Schools

Webmaster - contact the webmaster at dsoltesz@k12.wv.us.  

David Soltesz has worked for Marshall County Schools for over 25 years as a Teacher, JMHS Assistant Principal, Computer Applications Trainer, WVEIS contact, School Safety Coordinator, and most recently, Director of Personnel and Title IX Coordinator.  He previously taught adjunct classes for West Virginia Northern Community College and Wheeling University and was a General Manager for National Integrated Systems, Inc.  

He received his Secondary Education degree (Math, Business Principles) from West Liberty University and his Masters in Educational Leadership from West Virginia University.  He is a former Toyota International Teacher, IIE Korean Studies Workshop participant, and was the West Virginia 2004 Teacher of the Year.  

Regional Representatives:

• Region 1:  Amy Semenco, Raleigh County 

• Region 2:  Tina Adkins, Lincoln County 

• Region 3:  Dan Rinick, Putnam County 

• Region 4:  Denece Dial, Fayette County

• Region 5:  Dr. Richard Duncan, Roane County

• Region 6:  David Soltesz, Marshall County

• Region 7:  Tammy Leaseburg, Harrison County

• Region 8:  Pam Slocum, Hampshire County