For nearly four decades, the question of combining Wetzel County schools has appeared on the BOE agenda four times. Last week In a three to two vote, the board moved toward the goal of streamlining the county’s schools and consolidating all 6-12 students into one campus in an effort to improve the education level.

The vote to further consolidate the county schools passed on a 3-2 vote of the Wetzel County Board of Education. They approved the purchase of a little over 85 acres of property in Porters Falls to build a new school and campus with sports facilities, plenty of parking and everything for education of the county students all on one campus. This will assure the county’s class rooms have fully certified teachers. No longer will students have to learn difficult subjects from substitute teachers, aids or online classes.

The question of consolidation reappeared four years ago, and has seen many twists and turns in the progress forward. Community members have voiced their opinions for the changes, with many that wanted things left as they were.

Last year it was decided, in order to upgrade and assure there were certified teachers in all class rooms, a consolidation of Paden City into Magnolia and Hundred into Valley needed to take place. Superintendent Cassie Porter assures the public this was only a first step to improve the number of certified teachers in class rooms, and the first step toward the future countywide consolidation.

“We want it to be equitable for our students. So we weren’t able to offer everything to every single student in our county, and this way we will be able to. They’ll have state of the art facilities and the opportunities that we can imagine for them,” Superintendent Cassie Porter said.

Many felt that this was an easy way to take four schools into two and no further consolidation would take place. The move by the board to purchase the McDiffitt property near Porters Falls will lay to rest any thoughts that no future consolidation will take place.

“The main reason is we want our students to get the best education that they can get, and if we stay as al separate schools at the 6-12 level, we do not have the certified teachers for them and our students deserve better,” said Linda Fonner, President of the Wetzel County Board of Education.

A representee from Thrasher engineering was present for the executive meeting. That meeting lasted only a few minutes. Thrasher explained the work will begin right away, with trees being removed and landscaping. Thrasher stated that the excavation of land will be done by moving soil from one side onto the opposite side, creating proper lay of the surface soil. They should not have to move dirt off site, which helps to reduce the land preparation cost.

Board President Linda Fonner made the motion to approve the land purchase at a price of $4,070,000. Making note that the number is only for the purchase of the property.

Board members President Linda Fonner, Members Christine Mitchell and Christina Nice voted to purchase the land and begin the project. Board members Brian Castilow and James Glasscock voted to not purchase the property.

Superintendent Porter stated that if things go according to plan, the new school should be open in four to five years.