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Breakthrough: Options Pathway deserves support

Thank goodness the parties involved stopped playing whatever games led to “losing sight of who this program is for,” as Wood County Board of Education member Jim Asbury put it Tuesday evening, regarding the Options Pathway program the board eventually approved 4-0.

Now, the task is to ensure the games stay on hold long enough to put a teacher in place for the program. Two Wood County schools employees are certified for the Options program: one was approved for retirement the same evening the program was approved; and another allegedly “feels beat down and like they’re going to go with someone else,” and therefore, apparently is considering not applying for the position.

Meanwhile, the groundwork is in place to do something very good for at-risk students in Wood County. Options Pathway is used by the Mountaineer Challenge Academy, and 51 of the 55 county school systems in West Virginia. It provides students at risk of dropping out options to qualify for their high school diplomas. It could make a world of difference for some kids, and help them get the education they need.

That is, if the adults involved can set aside whatever nonsense is keeping them from giving the program the best chance to succeed.

Bravo to the school board members who approved the program, and those who have worked to bring it to Wood County Schools. Now it is in the hands of those who can make or break it with their next few moves.

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