The Paden City Foundation, in cooperation with the City of Paden City and the Cornerstone committee, is planning to paint the town green this spring.The groups are consolidating their efforts in a show of support for the town and the schools. Representatives of the Cornerstone attended the March meeting of the Paden City Council to update the group on the work undertaken by the committee.The group also asked for a resolution designating March as Pride in Paden City Schools Month.Due to timing constraints, the declaration will take place in April.

However, the foundation decided to get a jump start. The city cooperated and moved the green PC banners from Main Street to adorn Fourth Avenue in both directions from Paden City High School.Green and white flags were placed on the lawn of PCHS.Susie Cosper, Cornerstone member, address the council and stated, “The entire town needs to get behind this movement and take pride in our schools and help ensure they stay open.”

Gary McWilliams, Cornerstone representative, added, “Our group has been meeting at the Catholic Church and we would like for everyone to get involved.It is going to take the whole town working together to make this successful.”

The Cornerstone has also received a donation of 100 new yard signs that read “Paden City High School – Keep It Open” and also purchased two more billboards in New Martinsville.The group is accepting donations for the yard signs in order to defray the costs of the billboards. Committee member Bernidene Culp stated, “Warm temperatures are here, the snow will be gone soon.It is time for people get their yard signs back out and on display.”New signs are available at the Paden City Museum and the Days Gone By Pub.

“We really need them on Fourth Avenue, but also throughout town,” said Culp. “Spring is coming, it is just natural for things to turn green and our efforts will help it along and at the same time, promote our schools.”

The efforts are part of the ongoing movement to fend off a proposed plan to close Paden City High School and merge its students into Magnolia High School.A public hearing is scheduled for March 25 at Paden City High School beginning at 6 p.m. The county Board of Education is required to hear public input on the proposed plan before it can vote on the plan. Those wishing to speak at the hearing need to arrive 30 minutes prior and sign a roster.

The Cornerstone Committee is preparing its presentation for that evening.