Christian Marshall receives recognition during Tuesday’s Wood County Board of Education meeting at Parkersburg High School for earning a superior rating and participating in state solo and ensemble events. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

The Wood County Board of Education met Tuesday evening at the Parkersburg High School auditorium, recognizing student and teacher achievements and reviewing funding requests tied to the district’s excess levy.

Among the evening’s top honors, Samuel Vincent, a social studies teacher at Parkersburg High School, was named Wood County’s 2027 Teacher of the Year, selected from more than 300 nominations and seven finalists.

“I love my job,” Vincent said. “You hope that you inspire a few people every day.”

Board members also recognized the Parkersburg High School Foundation for its support of planetarium upgrades and for the dozens of students participating in regional and state music programs.

Those recognitions included Southern Region American Choral Directors Association honor choir members from Parkersburg South High School; Wood County honor choir members from Blennerhassett, Edison, Hamilton, Jackson and Williamstown middle schools; and West Virginia All-State and honor ensemble participants from both Parkersburg and Parkersburg South high schools. Students were also recognized for superior ratings and participation in state solo and ensemble recitals.

From left, Samuel Vincent recieves the 2027 Teacher of the Year Award presented by Superintendent Christie Willis. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

During presentations, the board heard from the Wood County Student Advisory Council, led by Assistant Superintendent Jeff Kisner and student representatives.

Students described academic achievements, extracurricular involvement and community service efforts while emphasizing the importance of having a voice in district discussions.

Kennedy Porter, a Parkersburg High School senior, said the council allows students to represent their schools and share both concerns and successes.

The board also heard a series of funding requests from community organizations supported through the district’s excess levy.

Artsbridge requested $15,000 to continue arts programming in schools, including artist residencies, performances, and hands-on educational experiences that supplement classroom learning. The YMCA asked for $10,000 to support a entrepreneur and leadership program, aimed at giving middle and high school students opportunities to build skills, lead initiatives and engage in community-based projects. The funding would help cover program costs, supplies and outreach while keeping participation accessible.

Emma Withrow is recognized Tuesday at Parkersburg High School during the Wood County Board of Education meeting for selection for West Virginia All-State ensembles. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Presenting on behalf of the Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg, Ryan Fitzer, a board member, and Krista Runions, director of the Mary Street unit, requested an increase from $90,000 to $100,000. They emphasized the organization’s role in providing structured supervision during after-school hours, particularly between 3 and 6 p.m., when students are most at risk for negative behaviors.

The group reported serving hundreds of students daily and highlighted growing teen participation and community impact.

Additional requests included $84,000 from WVU Extension for to offset staffing cuts and continue programs like 4-H, STEM, career readiness and health education.

The Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library requested $399,970 to fund children’s services, materials, literacy programs, bookmobile operations and facilities.

Sonya Ashby, a board of education appointee to the Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library board, said the library continues to play a direct role in supporting students through partnerships with schools, including bookmobile visits, read-aloud programs and access to digital materials. She noted that more than 1,100 students participated in the summer reading program last year, with thousands of books distributed, and emphasized that the library works to meet students where they are by offering a wide range of programs and resources tailored to their interests and needs.

Parkersburg High School Graphic Arts Teacher and Wood County BOE appointee to the Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library board Sonya Ashby speaks on behalf of the library in search of more funding. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

The Vienna Public Library requested $70,000 to address rising material costs and add a tutoring pod for student support.

New Era School in Mineral Wells submitted a $1,500 request for general school programming support.

Board President Justin Raber said the total requests — more than $684,000 — exceed the roughly $638,000 available annually through the levy.

The board also received presentations on instructional materials in health, driver’s education, art, music and personal finance as part of its regular curriculum review cycle.

In other business, the board approved its consent agenda, which included personnel matters, financial transactions and construction-related items.

Superintendent Christie Willis said one item, the Route 68 turn lane project, is tied to a road-widening effort that will provide access to the new Lubeck school.

The board also approved multiple policy updates. Willis noted updated policies will be publicly available online through the district’s BoardDocs system once finalized in the coming days.

Board members closed the meeting by thanking educators, students and community partners, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and student engagement.