Pictured are members of the 2013 West Virginia All-State Children’s Choir, along with their instructor. In the back row, from left, are Shelia Aberegg, Paden City Elementary School Choir Instructor; Bruce Ensinger, New Martinsville School Choir Instructor; and Barb Daly, New Martinsville School Choir Instructor. In the front row are Hannah Loy, Paden City Elementary School student; and Haley Feldmeier; Jonaya Staley; and Riley Klug, all New Martinsville School students.

Members of the Wetzel County 2013 West Virginia All-State Children’s Choir were honored at Monday night’s board of education meeting. Students from both Paden City Elementary School and New Martinsville School were selected to be part of the chorus. Those students from Paden City Elementary School included Hannah Loy and McKenzie Lewis. Students from New Martinsville School included Sierra Walker, Riley Klug, Zoey Jenkins, Haley Feldmeier, and Jonaya Staley.

At the Monday night meeting, Loy, Feldmeier, Staley, and Klug were all honored by the board, along with Superintendent Diane Watt, who presented each of those present with a certificate of achievement. Each student agreed that if she had the opportunity to participate in All-State Choir again, she would. “I think as much fun as you all had, I think we are, more so, proud,” Watt stated. “We are so happy that you participated. It must have been quite an experience. I think the board is really, really proud.”

During the treasurer’s report, Treasurer Jeff Lancaster mentioned increases of $1,611 and $50,000. The $1,611 supplement is part of a state grant that helps fund English as a second language learning. The $50,000 increase is a donation from the McGuane Foundation, which goes toward Paden City’s Matt Barker Community Building. The funds will help with the completion of that building.

Also during this meeting the board approved the 2013-2014 levy estimates, debt service, and general current expense funds for submission to the appropriate state agencies. The rates are the same as last year, but the assessed property values went up, resulting in an increase in revenue to Wetzel County Schools. “The state aid funding formula will reduce Wetzel’s funding by increasing our local share on the regular levy, making it a wash,” stated Lancaster. “However, the increased property values will increase our overall revenue due to the fact that voters in Wetzel passed a school excess levy.”

Superintendent Diane Watt also reiterated the fact that both Magnolia High School and Paden City High School received full accreditation from the Office of Education Performance Audits; furthermore, not only has Magnolia High School received accreditation, but it has also been designated as a school of distinction.

Board Vice President Bob Patterson stated that it was through the efforts of the principals, staff, and teachers of Magnolia that the school could go from a fairly critical report to a school that meets all expectations, and furthermore, a school of distinction.