(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

It is appropriate that a huge thank you be extended to the many supporters that enabled me to serve on the Wood County Board of Education five times in the last 20 years. Much has been accomplished, and could not have been done without the influence and support of Wood County citizens. I asked God to close the door this general election when signing up in August as promised, if I was going to be called to do something else or be somewhere else. That indeed occurred and I am confident other doors will open that I am to walk through.

During the last nine months of my appointment, the Wood County Board of Education has been addressing very emotional objectives including, but not limited to, personnel reductions, administrative changes, new school locations, increased property taxes hitting July 1 from the passed 2022 bond levy, and voting to right-size the school system assets coupled with declining school enrollment by voting to close two schools. That vote occurred as citizens were early voting for the general election. Unfortunate timing, but decisions that are critical to school system financial stability. Please remember there are three new schools on the horizon as older and energy inefficient schools are closed. Many more improvements in auditoriums, athletic facilities, school safety vestibules, health department compliant concessions, and others in the ’22 project bond levy are being completed in the near future.

My hope is that Wood County Schools continues to build on successes in student achievement, school safety, facilities improvements, and support and educational program development. There is positive momentum in Wood County and again my thanks for enabling me to be a part of it.

May God continue to bless this community as a wonderful place to raise a family, and grow old together.

Rick Olcott

Parkersburg