Lee seeking fifth term as WVEA president

By MetroNews Staffin News|

January 21, 2020 at 10:06PM

CHARLESTON, W.Va.— Dale Lee will seek a fifth term leading the West Virginia Education Association.

Lee announced his decision on Tuesday’s MetroNews “Talkline,” noting with 2020 being an election year, he needs to remain as president for stability.

“This one really is the most important election of our time,” Lee said. “We have to get some moderate people who want to move West Virginia forward in the House and Senate that want to look at public education for our students and really make sure we fund that correctly and are doing the right things with it.”

The education union has not made an endorsement yet in this year’s cycle. When asked if it would endorse Gov. Jim Justice, Lee said there is a process in approving endorsements.

“We’re working on a questionnaire right now. Once the filing period is over, we’ll send a questionnaire to every candidate who is one the ballot for governor, Board of Public Works,

the House and the Senate of the state Legislature,” he added. “Our by-laws say we cannot endorse anyone until they fill out the questionnaire.”

Lee added the state has made improvements in education under Justice, but he wants to leave the final decision up to union members.

The West Virginia Education Association will hold its leadership election in April.