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Ohio County Schools Superintendent Dianna Vargo’s Tenure Ends With a Whimper

Board convenes for 19 minutes, members no-show meeting

Photo by Joselyn King Ohio County Schools Superintendent Dianna Vargo sits down Monday for her last board of education meeting as superintendent alongside board member Tim Birch, who acted as board president.

WHEELING — In her words, after Ohio County Schools Superintendent Dianna Vargo has her last day on the job Thursday, she said, “I’m taking a day off.”

Vargo — known for her work ethic — hasn’t missed many days in the classroom or in the office during a 32-year career with Ohio County Schools. Monday, she attended her last board of education meeting as superintendent, and it only lasted 19 minutes.

Just three of five board members were present to honor Vargo, whose contract as superintendent expires Thursday. The contract wasn’t renewed by the board following a controversial 3-2 vote on Dec. 28.

Absent were board President Shane Mallett, and member Gary Kestner. Kestner wasn’t re-elected in the May 10 election, and the Monday session also would have been his last meeting. Neither Mallett nor Kestner immediately returned calls seeking comment regarding their absences.

Mallett and Kestner, along with member Tim Birch, were those who voted not to renew Vargo’s contract in December. Birch presided as acting president at Monday’s meeting, which members Christine Carder and Sarah Koegler also attended.

“It truly has been my honor to have served as superintendent of Ohio County Schools,” Vargo told the board members present. “I thank you so much.”

After the meeting, she spoke of those with whom she has worked as superintendent.

“All of it gave me great satisfaction, but I am especially proud of the staff, teachers and administrators we were able to assemble,” Vargo said. “I saw every day their commitment and care for our students, and how they inspired dreams.”

She hinted at no other plans for the future, other than to say she planned to rest on Friday.

A portrait of Vargo now hangs outside the boardroom alongside other past superintendents for the school district.

Also recognized by the board members Monday night were two other long-time central office employees who are retiring this week: Sue McGuier, assessment and federal programs coordinator; and former West Virginia “teacher of the year” MaryLu Hutchins, now student services director for Ohio County Schools.

McGuier has been employed with Ohio County Schools for 30 years, and she said in retirement she will be tending to family responsibilities.

Hutchins, meanwhile, recently received her doctorate, and she has accepted a position with Carnegie Mellon University after 37 years in the school district. Hutchins’ husband, Russell, also is retiring as a teacher at Madison Elementary School following a 37-year career.

Koegler presented Vargo, McGuier and Hutchins all with vases of flowers during the meeting. She said the thought of the school district’s losing so much experience at one time made her “feel sad.”

“I’m grateful to all three of you and all our retirees,” Koegler said.

Carder echoed her sentiments about Ohio County Schools losing so much educational knowledge.

“We all know what a great person Dr. Vargo is, and how dedicated she is,” Carder said. “I’m sure there are great things ahead for her. Retirement is great.”

Birch said he “didn’t have much more to add.”

“I want to send my thoughts and prayers out to those flooded in the southern part of the state,” he said. “I hope everything gets worked out.”

The board next convenes for a special meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday, at which time new Superintendent Kimberly Miller will be sworn in to the position. Also taking office will be new board member Zachary Abraham.

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