WHEELING - A ceremony to swear in new Ohio County Schools Superintendent Dianna Vargo took place Monday, but Vargo got called into the job this weekend after Friday's storms left three of the district's school buildings without power.
Retired Senior Status Judge Arthur Recht swore in new Ohio County school officials Monday, but explained Vargo officially took the oath of office Friday as Superintendent George Krelis' retirement became effective July 1.
"We had to do that Friday in the event there was a problem over the weekend - like a power outage," Recht said.
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Photo by Joselyn King
Ohio County Schools Superintendent Dianna Vargo speaks with retired Judge Arthur Recht at her swearing-in Monday.
And there were power outages at Wheeling Park High School, Middle Creek Elementary School and Madison Elementary School, Vargo noted.
Extended school year programs are taking place at all three buildings, and food for the school district's summer Child Nutrition Program is prepared at WPHS. She added the power outage caused concerns both education and food distribution would be affected.
But power was restored at all three buildings Sunday before classes had to be canceled or moved, according to Vargo. Most of the food refrigerated at WPHS also was saved.
Vargo began her career with Ohio County Schools in 1983 as a math teacher at WPHS, where she also coached cross country and track.
During her career, she served as assistant principal and principal at WPHS. She went on to be named assistant superintendent of Ohio County Schools in 2005, and has held the position of deputy superintendent since 2009.
"Initially, as a teacher I enjoyed the classroom and the students," Vargo commented. "But as I became familiar with the leadership in Ohio County Schools, I was inspired to go into administration.
"But once you are a teacher you are always a teacher. I still enjoy being involved with the students - go to their events and communicating with them."
Recht also swore new school board members Sarah Koegler and Gary Kestner into office Monday.
"I am very excited," Koegler said. "I'm eager to learn the ropes, and for people to tell me their concerns about the school district."
She is also an educator and employed by the national organization, "Teach for America."
Kestner retired last month as the district's transportation director. He has worked full-time for Ohio County Schools for 25 years.
"I'm looking forward to serving the kids - and doing a lot of good things," Kestner said.
Also on Monday, the new board selected James Jorden to serve as its president.
Members of the Board of Education are now Jorden, Koegler and Kestner, along with Christine Carder and Shane Mallett.
Former WPHS Principal Bernie Dolan is now deputy superintendent.
