Wood County BOE conducting audit of Williamstown High School
(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)
PARKERSBURG — The Wood County Board of Education released a statement Tuesday night saying it is conducting a forensic investigation at Williamstown High School and has finished such audits at Parkersburg High School and Parkersburg South High School. “The Wood County Board of Education remains committed to transparency, accountability and the responsible stewardship of public resources,” the statement said. “Following the recent resignations of principals at Parkersburg South High School and Parkersburg High School, forensic audits were initiated to review school-related expenditures.” Parkersburg High Principal Kenneth DeMoss resigned in July 2024 and Parkersburg South Principal Betsy Patterson announced her retirement in May 2024. The board voted to accept the resignation of Williamstown High Principal Jason Ward Tuesday night. “With the recent resignation of the principal at Williamstown Middle High School, the Board is now initiating a forensic audit of that school as well. This marks the third and final high school under review,” the statement said. Ward had been on paid suspension since March 12 and had a personnel hearing scheduled for Monday that was not held. The board voted to accept his resignation during its regular meeting Tuesday night. Board President Justin Raber said on Wednesday it was not all about the principals. “Any allegations made to the board are being investigated,” Raber said. He said the process could take several months and the statement released Tuesday said the board appreciates the community’s patience as the independent audits are being conducted. “No further comments will be made at this time to preserve the integrity of the process,” the statement said. “Once the investigations and final recommendations are made, we will be providing such information to the public.” Douglass Huxley can be reached at dhuxley@newsandsentinel.com