KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – Herbert Hoover High School Principal Mike Kelley is known for his leadership and dedication to rebuilding Herbert Hoover High School after the 2016 floods destroyed the former building, along with wiping out entire communities and taking several lives.

Kelley’s leadership, even while the new school was under construction, has made him a prominent figure in Kanawha County; however, his arrest on Saturday for allegedly driving while under the influence has raised questions throughout the Elk River community on what needs to be done moving forward.

“A lot of people were very disappointed. Not making any excuses for Mike’s behavior and what happened because there really is no excuse. However, Mike has done a lot of good for this community, and I don’t want that to be forgotten in this mix either,” said Susan Jack who worked alongside Kelley during the cleanup and restoration efforts after the 2016 floods.

Jack said she hopes this arrest will be a wake-up call for Kelley.

“I don’t really know Mike’s situation. Only Mike knows Mike’s situation. I will tell you this that he is probably hurting worse than anyone over this, so as badly as people maybe feel disappointed or whatever, there’s no one feeling worse right now than Mike Kelley,” Jack said.

Kanawha County School’s Board of Education has not openly stated whether they will be taking any disciplinary action against Kelley or not for this incident. A spokesperson said they would not comment regarding this personnel matter, however, the Board’s code says that a misdemeanor could be grounds for suspension or termination.

Section 25.01 titled ‘Grounds for suspension or termination’ states that “an employee may be suspended or dismissed any time for: Immorality; incompetency; cruelty; insubordination; intemperance; willful neglect of duty; unsatisfactory performance; a finding of abuse by the Department of Health and Human Resources in accordance with § 49-1-1 et seq.; the conviction of a misdemeanor or a guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere to a misdemeanor charge that has a rationale nexus between the conduct and performance of the employee’s job.”

Jack said because Elk River is a “tough” yet “compassionate” community, she believes this could be an opportunity for Kelley to use this as a teaching moment for others and rebuild his rapport.

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“He will get up, he will get up and find his way again, and it will be okay. The people of Elk River are compassionate in that way. Mike will be fine. Mike will be fine, but he needs to do some things for himself now to get things straightened out,” Jack said.

Jack said because of the hard work and commitment Kelley has poured into his community, she believes he and the school district can move forward in a positive direction from this, though she made clear she does not excuse his recent behavior.

“I hope that people can look at the body of work that Mike has accomplished, not saying you agree with decisions that have been made recently, but look at the body of work and have a little grace because we’re all human,” Jack said.

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