WHEELING — Retired Ohio County Schools employee and union leader Jerry Ames is aiming for a seat on the Ohio County Board of Election in 2026.

Ames, 71, who lives in Magisterial District 1, has filed to run in the May 12 primary election. Three candidates are to be elected in the non-partisan race, with winners taking office July 1.

Ames worked for more than four decades with Ohio County Schools, starting out as a custodian, moving on to manage the school district’s warehouse and later retiring as Ohio County Schools’ asbestos officer.

Along the way he served many years as the president of the Ohio County School Service Personnel Association and was vice president of the state organization.

“After working 40 years for Ohio County Schools, I’ve always had a passion for working on the board,” he said. “I was so involved with the board. What I wanted to do after I retired was to step up and make it better for our kids to have all the tools they needed to work with to have a great education.

“I think we need to help our teachers and staff by providing them what they need to provide a great education.”

Standardized testing scores have been rising in Ohio County Schools, “but they always can be better,” according to Ames.

Ames is a graduate of the former Wheeling High School.

“I worked for Ohio County Schools, and it provided for my family for 40 years,” he said. “It was a good job with good insurance. I think that if I go on the board, I can keep it as good if not better.”

Ames noted he also “supports the taxpayers who pay the bills. ”

“The board has always been careful on how to spend the money and not spend it on foolish things,” he said. “We need to spend the money on the kids, teachers … and everything we need to be a great school system.

“I think we are one of the best school systems in West Virginia. We have great leadership, and I would like to continue that.”

Ames believes he has the experience for the job, including working with both school administrators over the years as well as state and local politicians.

“And I’ve probably worked with teachers at every level in the school district – from elementary to high school. I know I can bring a lot to the table,” he said.

Ames noted he appreciates the response he has so far received from the public since announcing his candidacy.

“I currently have a lot of support,” he continued. “Teachers, kids and people from the outside know what I can do, and know I will be a good voice for people of Ohio County.”

He promises to work well with the other members of the board.

“We need to be team players in order to do what we need to do,” Ames said.