Ohio County Board of Education Appointment May Come This Week
Joselyn King Trending
WHEELING -- Ohio County Board of Education President Andy Garber indicated Monday the appointment of a new member of the board by State Schools Superintendent Michele Blatt could happen by the end of the week.
"I did contact the State Superintendent, Michele Blatt, to ask if she had made a decision yet and asked when she will fill the vacancy for the Ohio County board seat," Garber told the board. "She said she had a few more things to check up on, including discussing it with the State Board of Education.
"She states she will know by the end of this week. She will contact either myself, as president, or (Ohio County Schools Superintendent) Kim Miller. We hope to have that news this week."
Ohio County BOE members came to a stalemate last month in their effort to fill the seat vacated as a result of the recent death of board member Grace Norton.
Two members -- Garber and Pete Chacalos -- threw their support behind Olivia Litman, marketing director for the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The remaining two members -- David Croft and Molly Aderholt -- cast their votes for former school board candidate Jessica Powers.
Following the deadlock, the names of Powers and Litman were referred on to Blatt for consideration. She may choose one of them or consider other candidates.
Both Powers and Litman live in Magisterial District 1, where Norton resided. There presently is no representation of District 1 on the board of education.
Whoever is appointed will serve out Norton's unexpired term, which concludes June 30, 2024.
In another matter during Monday's board meeting, the board unanimously approved Miller's performance evaluation. The vote came following a closed-door session pertaining to personnel that lasted about one hour and 20 minutes.
"Her work so far this year has been impressive, to say the least," Garber said. "We went through a multi-tiered approach in reviewing what the superintendent is doing, and has done, and we see positive gains."
He added the board will convene at a later date to set superintendent goals for the coming year.
"As you know, we are always striving to improve all sections of our school system -- along with Dr. Miller," Garber said. "We are very happy with the work she is doing."