News Summary
The Wood County Board of Education has approved a $24.6 million bid for the new Lincoln Elementary School, exceeding the budget by approximately $5 million. Strategies to mitigate the financial overage include using capital funds and implementation of cost-saving measures. The board is also planning to construct North Parkersburg Elementary and address administrative personnel changes. As plans for enhanced educational facilities progress, the district aims to improve the overall quality of education for its students.
Parkersburg, West Virginia – The Wood County Board of Education has approved a bid of $24.6 million to construct a new Lincoln Elementary School, agreeing to work with Grae-con Construction despite the bid exceeding the original budget by approximately $5 million. The decision was made at a recent board meeting held at Parkersburg South High School on September 24, 2025.
Ryan Taylor, CEO of Pickering Associates, reported that the fiscal outlook for all bond projects indicates a forecasted overage of more than $6.2 million. To mitigate this deficit, the district anticipates implementing $2.9 million in opportunity savings. This adjustment aims to decrease the budget overage to somewhere between $2 million and $3.3 million. Consequently, the district will need to allocate up to $3.3 million from its general budget to cover the overall excess. However, Superintendent Christie Willis noted that there are $7 million available in the capital improvement fund, which could alleviate some financial pressures related to the overage.
Further details regarding the district’s cost-cutting strategies will be detailed in the Thursday edition of the local news. Additionally, on September 25, Pond Creek Road in Wood County will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for maintenance work.
Background on Lincoln Elementary School
The new Lincoln Elementary School will be situated on the site of the former school, which was closed in June 2001 and used for storage before its demolition earlier this year. The design for the new facility includes elements that pay homage to the previous school, including the incorporation of the Lincoln lion mascot. The construction of this school is part of a broader district initiative to enhance educational facilities.
In addition to Lincoln Elementary, the board has been working on plans for North Parkersburg Elementary. The designs were outlined by Pickering Associates during the August 12 meeting, with construction contracts expected to be bid on August 28. Building efforts for North Parkersburg Elementary are projected to commence in October, with blue and green colors designated for its exterior and distinct colors for different grade levels visible throughout the interior. Innovative design features will enhance the learning environment, including paint splatters on the floors leading into classrooms.
Upon completion of the new North Parkersburg Elementary, the board plans to close Emerson and Criss Elementary Schools. A boundary line vote will determine which students will transition to either the new North Parkersburg Elementary or Madison Elementary. The district is optimistic that upgrading its facilities will better serve students’ needs. Plans to improve Madison Elementary are also underway following the completion of the new Lincoln Elementary School.
Personnel Changes at Wood County Board of Education
In an unrelated personnel issue, the Wood County Board of Education voted 2-1 to not renew the contract of Special Education Director Kara Small for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year after a personnel hearing. The administration cited multiple reasons for non-renewal, including allegations of dishonesty related to a reduction in force and unauthorized expenditures exceeding $30,000 for vendor services.
Despite these issues, Kara Small defended her actions, stating she followed the appropriate protocols to ensure that students in urgent need could receive assistance, even though she did not secure prior approval for vendor engagement. Concerns were raised among board members regarding potential safety and compliance issues stemming from hiring unapproved personnel. President Justin Raber mentioned that Small would be welcome to apply for other positions within the district, despite her contract not being renewed.
As the developments at the Wood County Board of Education unfold, the focus remains on advancing the quality of education by investing in infrastructure and addressing administrative challenges.
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Additional Resources
- News and Sentinel: Wood BOE Approves Grae Con for New Elementary Construction
- Wikipedia: Elementary School
- WTAP: Wood County Schools Contends with Federal Funding Pause
- Google Search: Wood County Schools
- Marietta Times: Wood County Schools Board of Education Votes to Not Renew Contract for Special Education Director
- Google Scholar: Wood County Schools
- WTAP: Wood County Board of Education Received Designs for New Elementary School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WTAP: Wood County Schools Receives Donation Signs Showing National Motto Compliance with New State Law
- Google News: Wood County Schools
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