Andrea Trio, currently the principal at Madison Elementary School and a Milken Award Winner, addresses Ohio County Board of Education members after being approved as the new student services director for the school district. (Photo by Joselyn King)

WHEELING – Current Madison Elementary School Principal Andrea Trio – a Milken Award winner – will be moving to the Ohio County Schools Central Office starting next fall.

Board of education members unanimously approved Trio to be the school district’s new student services director during their meeting Monday night.

Trio will succeed Raquel McLeod in the job as McLeod was recently named the school district’s new attendance director.

Trio takes over as student services director effective July 1. She has been principal at Madison for the past decade.

In November 2022, she received the Milken Award – one of the most prestigious awards in education. These are presented to educators “making a profound difference for students, colleagues and communities.”

“I am truly honored and humbled to step into the role of director of student services for Ohio County Schools,” Trio told board members Monday night. “I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me and the opportunity to continue to serve the students, families and staff of this incredible county in this capacity.”

She thanked Superintendent Kim Miller and Assistant Superintendent Rick Jones for their leadership, support, guidance and encouragement during her time in Ohio County Schools.

“Your steady and clear vision for Ohio County Schools sets a tone for the important work we do everyday, and I’m honored to serve beside you,” she said.

Trio also thanked her family, and acknowledged the sacrifices they have made in their own lives in order to provide a quality education to others.

As for Madison Elementary School, she noted that the 10 years she has served there “have been among the most meaningful in my life.”

“At Madison, I’ve witnessed the power of high expectations, strong relationships and a shared commitment to do what is best for children…,” she said. “While I am stepping into a new role, Madison will always hold a special place in my heart.”

“I am proud of the work we have accomplished there, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving and supporting the Madison community and all of our schools in Ohio County through this new position.”

Trio previously succeeded Walt Saunders as principal at Madison Elementary 10 years ago when he was appointed director of federal programs for Ohio County Schools. Saunders was recently named superintendent of Hancock County Schools.

Jones joked that he recently spoke with Saunders who asked him to please not appoint Trio as the next federal programs director.

“He said, ‘She replaced me at Madison, and made me look really bad. I don’t want her to replace me again and do that twice,'” Jones continued.

The board will next meet for its regular meeting at 6 p.m. March 9 at the board office, 2203 National Road, Elm Grove. Prior to the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. there will be a public hearing to discuss the 2026-2027 school calendar.