Site map of McDiffitt property for new school location.

After nearly two years of discussion, legal actions, and stops and starts, the Wetzel County Board of Education is at a point where a decades old journey may be nearing an end. The board on Monday evening July 28, 2025 received from attorneys a fifty-page purchase agreement.

The complex agreement was prepared by Thrasher Engineering who has been working to evaluate and prepare purchase documents, environmental studies and other issues before presenting the parcel of land for consideration by the board.

At Monday’s meeting it was decided to move forward with the McDiffitt property based on information that all amenities would fit on the land, plus there being room for expansion and ancillary community facilities. Also there are no major environmental concerns and the site provides the largest building pad with all necessary utilities available. The site was determined to be the most centrally located for Paden City, Valley, and Magnolia, and has space for a secondary access road.

Considered were a few disadvantages, such as an additional cost to relocate a Williams Gas Line, the lower portion of the property being in the flood plain, an access requirement of a long bridge, and possible multiple purchase agreements.

The purchase cost of the property is set at $4 million, with an additional cost of $2 million to relocate the gas line.

The land as shown on the map will be able to meet the current and future needs of the county. The artist illustration is a concept as to how the school may look on the land. There may be future alterations or changes in the appearance, including the final lay out for sporting venues.

The board entered into executive session to discuss the site selection and after returning it was decided that the board members will take the next two weeks to review the purchase agreement before making a final decision at the next regular meeting in August.