Wood County Board Approves Funding for New Lincoln Elementary School

Parkersburg, WV – The Wood County Board of Education has approved a $24.6 million bid for the construction of a new Lincoln Elementary School, awarded to Grae-con Construction. This decision comes despite the bid being approximately $5 million above the projected budget, underscoring the financial challenges the district currently faces.

The cost overage is part of a larger context in which all bond projects are anticipated to exceed $6.2 million. However, with proposed opportunity savings of $2.9 million, the district expects to reduce the overage to between $2 million and $3.3 million. Consequently, the Wood County school district may need to allocate up to $3.3 million from its general budget to cover this additional expense.

Superintendent Christie Willis noted that there are $7 million available in the capital improvement fund that could help offset the overage from the construction costs. The board is also expected to provide details on potential cost-cutting measures in the upcoming Thursday edition of the local newspaper.

In other relevant news, during the board’s most recent meeting, retirees from the 2025 professional and service personnel were recognized for their contributions, highlighting the transition period within the district. The construction of the new Lincoln Elementary School marks a significant step, as the old school was closed in June 2001 and later demolished earlier this year after being repurposed for storage.

Future Plans for Education Facilities

The new Lincoln Elementary School will be situated on the site of the former structure, maintaining its identity by incorporating the Lincoln lion mascot into its branding. The design for the new North Parkersburg Elementary School was also presented at the August 12 board meeting and reflects a modern and vibrant creative atmosphere with colors themed by grade levels and dynamic flooring elements.

After the new Lincoln Elementary opens, significant changes to other local schools will follow. Emerson and Criss Elementary Schools are slated for closure, with boundary line votes necessary to determine student assignments to North Parkersburg and Madison Elementary Schools. The district aims to enhance educational facilities through improvements to Madison Elementary following the inauguration of the new Lincoln school.

Upcoming Developments

The bids for the construction contracts for North Parkersburg Elementary are scheduled to open August 28, with construction anticipated to commence in October. However, no definitive plans regarding the future of the currently operational Criss and Emerson Elementary Schools have been established as of yet.

In a separate personnel matter, the board voted 2-1 to decline the contract renewal for Special Education Director Kara Small for the 2025-2026 school year. The decision followed a personnel hearing, citing issues related to dishonesty in a reduction in force and unauthorized engagement of a vendor for services exceeding $30,000. Despite these concerns, Small defended her actions as compliant with protocols meant to serve students requiring urgent assistance. Board members expressed apprehension regarding the safety and compliance ramifications of hiring unapproved personnel.

President Justin Raber made it clear that Small remains welcome to apply for other positions within the district despite the board’s decision regarding her contract.

In addition to the school developments, locals should note that Pond Creek Road in Wood County will be closed at milepost 1.55 on September 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for unspecified reasons, adding to the ongoing changes in the area.

Meanwhile, Discovery World on Market is collaborating with Akron Children’s to host the 2025 Worldwide Day of Play, offering a day of activities for families and children in the community.