Elizabeth Knapp receives a hug from Wood County Schools Board of Education member Ron Theis during the Wood County Schools 2022 Retirees Awards on Tuesday. She taught at Knapp from 1978 to 1998 at Van She Van Debender Middle School and from 1998 to 2022 at Parkersburg High School. (Photo by Douglas Huxley)

PARKERSBURG — The Wood County Board of Education held a regular meeting Tuesday in the Parkersburg High School auditorium to address the number of 2022 retirees recognized during the meeting.

Attendees included both professionals and service personnel.

Professional retirees include Martha Butler, Debra Deweys, Aaron Ellis, Elizabeth Knapp, Brian Reed, Cynthia Schober, Michele Weaver-Johnston, Cheryl Westfall and Lisa Wortley . Service personnel were Wanda Allman, Myrtle Deems, Connie Drain, Tina Farley, Wavy Mini, Kelly Rush, Julie Stroman and James Wulom.

“I admire your dedication and willingness to share your knowledge and experience.” Director Sarah Townsend said: “You make the school system work. Thank you.”

“I know how hard you work and how much you’ve given your life to the schools of Wood County and the students here.” Superintendent Christy Willis said. “I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

Wavy Minnie receives a certificate from Superintendent Christie Willis at the Wood County Board of Education’s regular meeting on Tuesday in the Parkersburg High School auditorium. (Photo by Douglas Huxley)

The Board also heard a presentation from Mike Fring, Deputy Superintendent of Support Services, on current construction and paving projects. And Jonathan Farley, Director of Information Technology, about the new computer tower for all building administrators. Three specialists in the special education department.

The fling is “The weather prevented our efforts.” Also, many of the projects that were due to be completed by the start of the school year were delayed by heavy rains that occasionally hit the area.

Farley talked about the need for new hardware and the benefits it brings.

“All these machines, refreshed graphics cards, refreshed processors and solid state drives combined, make for a whole new vehicle that can get the job done better, faster and more efficiently.” Farley said.

In its Consent Agenda, the Board approved purchase orders to be issued to zones not to exceed $191,000 for security camera computer equipment from state contracts. He also approved for Murray Sheet Metal Company Inc. his HVAC renovation of Jefferson Elementary School and for Phoenix Associates Inc. a modification order for the Parkersburg South High School Secure Courtyard.

Vienna’s Henry Sasyn spoke to the Wood County Board of Education on Tuesday in a public comment section. Sasyn shared information and ideas about local pool facilities that students can use for swimming competitions. (Photo by Douglas Huxley)

During the public comment portion of the conference, Henry Sasyn of Vienna told the board about the information and ideas he had gathered about local pool facilities that students could use for swimming competitions.

“My child comes first” Sashin said. “If we start looking at our children and setting up community facilities, it will benefit the community.”

The Board discussed and approved the continuing overtax claims for 2024-2025 through 2028-2029 and approved them for placement on the ballots for the November 8 election. This is an update to an existing levy.

“I think it’s very important to note that this is not a tax increase.” Justin Raver, President and CEO, said: “Continuing the 80% rate that has been going on for years at this rate, I believe this rate, the excess tax, has been in effect since 1947.”

In the comments of the board members, all spoke of their joy in helping with the first day of school and their desire to start more than just the start of school events.

“It was a great first day. I had a lot of fun.” Director Judy Johnson said: “It was fun being there and actually interacting with the kids and teachers and working with them. Thank you Mrs. Willis.”

The school board’s next meeting is September 13th. The meeting will be held at 6:00 pm at the Wood County Schools Central Office, 1210 13th St., Parkersburg. The conference will be open to the public and streamed online.