Joel Potts, longtime resident of New Martinsville, explains how he loved the history of Magnolia in his family's lives, but it is time to move on.

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of last week, the Wetzel County Board of Education held public meetings at Magnolia, Paden City High School and New Martinsville Middle School. It will hold two more hearings on Monday November 18th at Hundred high school and on Wednesday the 20th at Valley high school in Pine Grove.

These meetings are required to give the public and each community a chance to express their thoughts on the impact statement that seeks to consolidate Paden City into Magnolia and Hundred High School into Valley. These consolidations are an interim move while the county seeks to build a new high school. The reason for the consolidations at this point before the new school can be built, is to improve the student to certified teacher ratio. This improvement is meant to bring standard test scores more in line with improved education levels. Other reasons include dwindling student population and cutting costs associated with operating four schools.

By state codes the county board is required to hold a session in each location affected to hear concerns and comments from the county’s citizens. Once this has been accomplished the board will meet on Friday morning, November 22 at 9:00 am to take a vote from the full board to accept a motion to move forward with consolidation plans as laid out in the approved impact statement. The board will then reject or approve sending the plan to the state for approval.

At each meeting before hearing from the public, Wetzel County Schools Superintendent Cassandra Porter read a statement regarding the proposed plan for consolidation. She said the school district is at a “crossroads,” and is facing declining enrollment and aging infrastructure. As the county’s population has declined so has student enrollment.

“The population of Wetzel County has declined by 16.6 percent since 2010, from 16,537 to an estimated 13,786 in 2024, outpacing both the national growth rate of 7.7 percent and the 4.3 percent decline seen in West Virginia,” she said.

She added that the district’s student enrollment has dropped by about 800 students during the same time period. In 2014, Magnolia had 420 students and during the 2023-24 enrollment was at 303 students. Paden City had 127 students in 2014 and 107 last school year.

“This ongoing enrollment decline, reflected in the 2024-25 school year figures – 286 at Magnolia and 96 at Paden City – has led to the proposal to consolidate these schools and integrate the seventh and eighth grades into New Martinsville School,” she said. “This consolidation is a proactive response to the diminishing student populations and underutilized facilities. New Martinsville School, while also experiencing fluctuations in enrollment, has significant unused capacity and will absorb the additional students from Paden City without surpassing its capacity of 1,309 students.”

Porter said closing Paden City High School and consolidating would save the district $358,722 annually, mainly from reduced utility and maintenance costs. Staffing would remain the same and would occur gradually via attrition.

Regarding transportation, Porter said some students would have to ride the bus longer, about 15 minutes more, but added the increases were “within acceptable limits.” New bus routes would be developed. Regarding academics, Porter said the plan would allow for “enhanced educational opportunities for all students.”

“Finally, it is important to recognize the impact on the communities served by these schools,” she said. “Paden City High School and Magnolia High School are central to their respective communities, providing more than just educational services; they are also hubs for social activities and community events. The closure of Paden City High School could affect these vital community connections, making it more difficult to attract families to the area.

“However, the consolidation of Paden City High School into Magnolia High School offers an opportunity to build new community relationships and strengthen support for the county’s educational system. By consolidating resources and expanding the scope of programs available, Wetzel County can cultivate new partnerships that will benefit both students and the broader community.”

On November 13th, at 6:00 pm. In Magnolia’s auditorium, Mrs. Fonner called to order the board, so as to hear comments from the gathered group. Mrs. Fonner explained each person would be given five minutes to speak. Each speaker was reminded that they were solely responsible for their words and testimony. A group of 85 was present for the meeting

Eight speakers signed up prior to the beginning of the meeting. Each speaker was given five minutes to ask questions and convey their thoughts on the topic of the impact statement, consolidation, and its effect on schools and community.

Anissa Anderson spoke about reconfiguration and the need to come together. The goal of education must be the goal of the BOE. Melanie Wells, spoke in support of Mrs. Porter and her staff. Wells emphasized no child should be left behind. She also expressed that smaller class sizes benefits student learning. She added that a lack of certified teachers has resulted in students spending time in libraries.

Stacey Yoho questioned staffing and how many uncertified teachers. She also inquired about over staffing per state formula. Mr. McPherson and Mrs. Porter answered questions from the citizens. McPearson said the numbers for formulas are dependent on factors of personnel moving around. Mike Turner questioned if an environment impact statement had been made and also spoke about the impact on the community if they lose a school. Mrs. Porter stated there had been no environmental statement for Magnolia and she felt Wetzel County is the board’s community. Rodney McWilliams spoke on the total county budget and the reference to saving $358,000, versus a county budget of $150 million. He also asked if the students had formed committees to choose colors and mascots for new schools. Wetzel County schools treasurer, Jeff Lancaster addressed the financial questions of McWilliams. Mrs. Porter stated no committees have been formed to discuss branding of schools.

Joel Potts, local historian, addressed the board. He expressed that he was the 3rd generation from his family to graduate from Magnolia, and he bleeds blue and gold. Joel, also a longtime resident of the community, stated how over the last three decades, much of the population has been lost. And he feels it is time to do what must be done for the future. Joel feels times have changed and it is time to make education the priority in the county. He stressed his support for consolidation. Final speaker, Amy Witchey stated, with consolidation it would expand the classes and education of students. “We should have done this years ago.” It will give teachers more time to work with students.”

On November 15th in the Paden City high school Gym, a third public meeting was held. One-hundred and sixty-seven people gathered to express their opinions concerning the closure of their school. Thirty-one students and citizens spoke at the event that lasted three hours. Each person spoke with concern and their disillusionment at not knowing the future for the school and students. Eight students spoke of the possible loss of family and home they have inside the school. One concern that has been repeated many times is the issue of mental health and the losses of support outside the school. Mrs Porter addressed those concerns. One person stated he had heard the move was to increase the need for air conditioning in Magnolia’s gym. A couple individuals questioned if Magnolia and Valley schools had already formed groups to rebrand the new school. It was stated no such rebranding committees have been formed. It was clear every speaker had placed much thought into their words. They see the closures as only the first step, in not only the closure of the school, but a big loss for their community.

Mayor Clyde Hochstetler spoke with words of compassion and strong support for the school and his community. He expressed that Paden City High School is the center of the community. It provides the anchor of stability for the town’s students and citizens. If our schools close, city values and tax revenue will suffer. Schools give kids a place to grow and become a person. If a school is closed it can become a shuttered eye sore in the community and a place for crime. He stated each year the school being open adds to the community with financial support. When taxes, water and sewer is considered in the equation, the town of Paden City could lose up to $44,000 a year. For a community of this size, that is a substantial amount.

Local business man, Weldon Williams spoke to the economics of the closures. He reminded the board that fourteen years ago he stood before another board and spoke to discourage any change in the county’s schools. He stated he has three businesses that serve, New Martinsville, Pine Grove and Paden City, he chose them because they were vibrant communities that had futures. This idea of stability prompted him to invest in not only his businesses, but each of the towns. Williams said to have a strong town you need a grocery store, church, post office and a school. To lose any of these will hurt the towns and businesses. He said he hopes the board will consider his words.