Jeremy Bell

The meeting was called to order and included a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. Perry Forensics presented the final report concerning Parkersburg South, Parksburg High, and Williamstown High School. The full audit report was made accessible to the public on the district website.

The Wood County Schools Strategic Plan for 2025-2026 aims to significantly improve student academic growth in both mathematics and English/Language Arts through standards-focused instruction, data-driven interventions, and comprehensive professional development. It also seeks to reduce chronic absenteeism by fostering strong family-school partnerships, implementing targeted outreach, and promoting student engagement. A key objective is to increase graduation rates by providing a safe and healthy environment, offering multi-tiered support for at-risk students, enhancing mental health services, and addressing substance use. Finally, the plan emphasizes advancing instructional leadership by ensuring all administrators participate in professional development, conduct regular walkthroughs, and utilize data to inform teaching practices and improve student outcomes.

The meeting included recognition of Leigh Markham as the Region I Mentor of the Year, a presentation of the New Vienna Elementary Design, a Bond Update, and a proposal to create the position of Director of Safety & Security. The Superintendent provided updates on Glenville State, Parent Teacher Conferences, Veterans Day, and the Lincoln Elementary Groundbreaking. The board also discussed personnel matters, financial transactions, out-of-state trip requests, change orders for New Lincoln Elementary and Jackson Middle School Secure Entrance, a bid recommendation for Edible Arrangements, and a purchase request for a WCS Camera Server Project. Additionally, the board ratified the paid suspension of an employee and approved the creation of the Director of Safety & Security position.

The Wood County Board of Education convened for a meeting that included recognition of the PHS Senior Class of 2026 for their fundraising efforts and a presentation on the Erickson All-Sports Facility. Updates were provided on human resources, the Employee Inclement Weather Plan, and the Strategic Plan. The Superintendent gave updates, including a thank you to staff, information about a future board meeting, recognition for Neale Elementary School, and details regarding a MOU with the Vienna Police Department for a School Resource Officer. The board addressed personnel matters, financial transactions, out-of-state trip requests, and contracts for various projects, including the PSHS Ball Field and road salt. They also discussed and approved a series of policy recommendations and updates.

The meeting included discussions on various topics. The board members reviewed the club store, health and wellness programs, and life and workforce readiness programs. There was a transportation update, including the addition of extracurricular runs and a parent letter. The board also discussed bond updates and SBA needs projects for Madison Elementary, as well as interior designs for Lincoln Elementary. Updates were provided on the turf projects at Williamstown and Parkersburg South, along with other minor bond projects like the Jackson secure entrance and Martin Roadway improvements. The board also considered applying for a 2026 needs funding grant for a sprinkler system and windows in Madison.