During this week's Ohio County Board of Education meeting, new Woodsdale Elementary School Principal Chalmer Moffett thanks Ohio County Schools’ administration for their support during his young career. (Photo by Joselyn King)

WHEELING – Most all of Chalmer Moffett’s life has been spent in Ohio County Schools – first as a student himself, then a teacher, and now an administrator in the school system.

This week Moffett, 28, took over as principal at Woodsdale Elementary School, and he addressed Ohio County Board of Education members after they unanimously approved him for the job.

He previously was the vice principal at Triadelphia Middle School.

“I am very lucky and very fortunate to be in the position I am today,” he told members. ” When I look out, I see a lot of people that I saw growing up.

“I’m an Ohio County guy – born and bred. I’m a product of Ohio County Schools. I think about 90% of my life has been spent in Ohio County Schools, maybe more – elementary, middle and high school.”

He noted that he feels lucky that when he first earned his degree, he immediately received a job as a general science teacher at Warwood Elementary in Ohio County.

“You provided that to me, and I appreciated that,” he said. “Every step along the way, a lot of students, staff and administrators have been good to me. Anytime I’ve called they’ve helped me out. I’m just blessed with all these things in my life.

“It is really cool to get this job opportunity, and to look out and see the people who have helped me along the way. It really does mean a lot to me that you guys are recommending me, and believe in me.”

Moffett succeeds Ashlea Minch as principal at Woodsdale Elementary. Minch has moved up to the central office to be the new federal programs officer for Ohio County.

“I am excited about this opportunity. I know it was quick and it was emotional,” he said. “I talked to people and said you can be happy for things, and be sad for things.

“When I was at Triadelphia Middle School, I had a great relationship with the students. My teachers were great. Andy Seals, my head principal, was the best boss you could wish for. He taught me everything I know about being an administrator, and we worked together along the way.”

In the chunk of time during which he was not a part of Ohio County Schools – the time when he was an education student at West Liberty University – there was still a connection to the school district to whom he could reach out.

Current Ohio County Board of Education member Andy Garber was Moffett’s supervisor when he did his student teaching at Warwood Middle School.

“Mr. Garber was just one of those people who had a major impact on my life,” Moffett said. “He came in once a week, gave me pointers and told me life stories. There are a ton of people he has impacted.”

Moffett indicated he isn’t interested in taking a job elsewhere.

“I’m just super-blessed that I get to be an Ohio County Schools person for the rest of my life,” he said. “I don’t see myself going anywhere else, or being anywhere else. I will put my best foot forward this year. I will learn a lot. I’m going to get to know the kids, and provide everything possible that I can.

“I feel like every opportunity in my life has come from this board room,” Moffett added.