The planning phase of a new, consolidated high school for all Wetzel County students is now moving forward. The three board members voting in favor of a land feasibililty study for what is known as the “Fluharty” property — Christine Nice, Vice President Brian Castilow and President Linda Fonner — deserve credit for doing the job for which they were elected by Wetzel County’s citizens, which is putting children’s educational needs first. A new, consolidated high school will better prepare students there for the future.

The Fluharty property sits on W.Va. 20, 4 miles from its intersection with W.Va. 7. It is 8 miles from New Martinsville and about 12 miles from Pine Grove.

Much work will need done there in the coming months to ensure it is the right site for a new school that will eventually house students from the entire county.

The board has been discussing consolidating schools for some time. All four of Wetzel County’s current high schools — Magnolia, Paden City, Hundred and Valley — are old, and the high school-aged student population has dropped considerably over the past few decades. A new school campus with all the modern needs of a high school education — career tech, sports, etc. — would be much more advantageous for the county than continuing to band-aid current school facilities. Also, one centrally located school would be better able to attract certified teachers than the current setup.

“Wetzel County Schools is in a critical juncture, facing significant demographic challenges that necessitate a thoughtful and proactive response to ensure the continued success of our educational system,” Superintendent Cassandra Porter told the board prior to the vote. “This proactive step is necessary to address the diminishing student population and aging infrastructures while ensuring continued access to high quality education for all students.”

It really is that simple. The current high school setup in Wetzel County has produced nothing more than dropping test scores and underutilized buildings. One high school even sits atop a U.S. EPA Superfund site. This move will begin the process of ensuring all Wetzel County students have the best chance for success following high school.

Porter and the board members voting to approve this plan truly have students’ best interests at heart.