photo by: Joselyn King

Retiring Wheeling Park High School secretary Dorothy “Dottie” Boyd, left, receives congratulations from Ohio County Board of Education President David Croft and Superintendent Kim Miller. Boyd worked more than 37 years with the school district.

WHEELING — Ohio County Schools said goodbye to nearly 400 years of collective work experience Monday night.

School officials and board of education members honored 15 employees who retired either during or at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Among them were Gail Adams, 21 years of service; Dorothy “Dottie” Boyd, 37.5; Stephanie Bugaj, 30; Joyce Galloway, 36; Charlene Gordon, 14.5; Scott Gordon, 18; Paula Hajdukovich, 41; Delbert Huffman, 14.5; Joyce Jingle, 45; John Jorden, 40; Ginny Mancuso, 7; Ben Moore, 29; Lisa Murphy, 16; Jacqueline Shriner, 24; and Johnathan Wharton, 10.

Superintendent Kim Miller addressed the retirees, telling them their ability to “shape minds and build futures” will be remembered, as will their efforts to create school communities “rooted in excellency and growth.”

“Your legacy will live on in the students you’ve inspired, the staff you’ve mentored and the schools you’ve strengthened,” she said. “As you step into retirement, know that your retirement doesn’t end, but carries forward in the lives you’ve touched. May this next chapter bring you the same joy you’ve given to others throughout your career.”

Board member Andy Garber commended the teachers for their passion, but noted they should most be honored for their efforts in a career that sometimes can be “a rigorous, demanding and essential profession.”

Instead of praising teachers for their selflessness, we should acknowledge their skills and training and thank them more often than just during teacher appreciation week, he added.

Board member Bernie Albertini acknowledged the experience the school district was losing.

“There are some anchors sitting in this room,” he said. “Congratulations, and I think it’s great. We will miss you, and we thank you for your years of service.”

Board president David Croft also thanked the teachers, then he took out a handwritten note he had received from Bridge Street Middle School students Ellie West and Katie Lewis. The eighth-graders asked in their missive that home economic classes once again be taught in middle school.

“There are two ladies who value education enough to take time to write to this board of education – not even knowing if it will be read or addressed,” he said. “They got the attention.

“Miss West and Miss Lewis, we will take your ideas under advisement and see what we can do.”

The board will next meet at 6 p.m. on June 23 at the board office, 2203 National Road, Wheeling.