Leigh Markham, second from left, Community In Schools site manager for Jefferson Elementary, was recognized by the Wood County Board of Education on Tuesday night for being named the Region 1 Mentor of the Year. Also pictured is: Chris Rutherford, director of attendance and home services, Emma Damon, Community In Schools regional specialist, Tina Lowers, Jefferson Elementary School principal, and Superintendent Christie Willis. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

PARKERSBURG – The Wood County Board of Education voted to create a new director of safety and security position Tuesday night during its regular meeting.

“You can’t have one person everywhere. We would really just appreciate some help,” said Kaleb Lawrence, assistant superintendent of operations.

Superintendent Christie Willis said the position would be posted this morning.

The board also recognized Leigh Markham, Community In Schools site manager for Jefferson Elementary, for being named the Region 1 Mentor of the Year.

“She is a huge asset to this county, to the community and to the students. She truly goes above and beyond every single day,” said Emma Damon, Community In Schools regional specialist. “I’ve talked to her many times over Thanksgiving break and Christmas break, spring break, summer break, and she’s always still at the school, preparing her food boxes and getting them ready to go.”

Katie Wetherby, McKinley Architecture and Engineering senior architectural staff/associate project manager, gave the board a brief presentation on the design for the new Vienna Elementary School, being built on the former Ohio Valley University campus, now the new West Virginia University at Parkersburg Innovation and Technology Center.

She said the new school will encompass approximately 54,000 square feet, providing space for 522 students.

“The base bid will have an 1,800 square foot activity space. But we do have an alternate that will allow for a 6,800 square foot gym,” Wetherby said.

Construction is slated to commence this winter pending successful bidding, with the opening aimed for April or May 2027.

Read the full story from Tuesday’s meeting in the Thursday edition of the Parkersburg News and Sentinel.