Parkersburg, WV, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The Wood County Board of Education has approved a $24.6 million bid for the construction of a new Lincoln Elementary School, awarded to Grae-con Construction. This cost is approximately $5 million over the district’s original budget projection for the project. The district anticipates a budget overage of between $2 million and $3.3 million, but the availability of $7 million in the capital improvement fund may help alleviate these costs. The old facility was recently demolished and the new school aims to foster a creative atmosphere for students.
Parkersburg, WV – The Wood County Board of Education has approved a bid of $24.6 million for the construction of a new Lincoln Elementary School, awarded to Grae-con Construction, during its recent meeting held at Parkersburg South High School. This bid comes in approximately $5 million over the district’s original budget projection for the project.
Ryan Taylor, the CEO of Pickering Associates, which oversees the design and management of the project, indicated that the total forecast for all bond projects is projected to exceed $6.2 million. Despite the increased costs, the board has proposed $2.9 million in opportunity savings, which is expected to reduce the budget overage to between $2 and $3.3 million.
The district is tasked with finding funding to cover this overage, which could reach up to $3.3 million from its general budget. However, Superintendent Christie Willis mentioned that $7 million is available in the capital improvement fund, which could potentially offset this budget overage.
Project Background
The new Lincoln Elementary School will be built on the site of the former Lincoln Elementary, which closed its doors in June 2001 and had been repurposed for storage until its demolition earlier this year. The new facility will incorporate elements of the Lincoln lion mascot and is designed to foster a creative atmosphere, featuring colorful paint splatters leading into classrooms.
The plans for a complementary North Parkersburg Elementary School were presented in an earlier meeting on August 12, 2025. This new school is set to feature different colors for each grade level and a design meant to encourage a stimulating learning environment.
Closure of Old Facilities
The opening of the new North Parkersburg Elementary will lead to the closure of Emerson and Criss Elementary Schools. The district is preparing to conduct a boundary line vote determining which students will attend the new North Parkersburg Elementary or Madison Elementary School. The goal is to create modern facilities that better serve students’ needs.
Future Developments
Bids for the construction of North Parkersburg Elementary will open on August 28, with construction slated to begin in October. Currently, there have been no decisions made on the future of the Emerson and Criss Elementary School buildings following their closure.
In addition to these developments, the Wood County Board of Education has voted 2-1 not to renew the contract of Special Education Director Kara Small for the 2025-2026 school year after a personnel hearing. Reasons cited for this decision include alleged dishonesty regarding a reduction in force and unauthorized engagement of a vendor for more than $30,000 in services. Small has defended her actions, stating that she acted within protocols to address students’ urgent needs.
Additional Information
The Wood County Board of Education will provide further details on the district’s cost-cutting measures in the Thursday edition of the local newspaper, ensuring transparency in navigating these financial challenges.
Local Updates
The community is also advised that Pond Creek Road in Wood County will be closed at milepost 1.55 on Thursday, September 25, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additionally, Discovery World on Market, in collaboration with Akron Children’s, is set to host the 2025 Worldwide Day of Play aimed at promoting healthy and active lifestyles among children.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Budget for Lincoln Elementary | $24.6 million |
| Budget Overrun | $5 million |
| Opportunity Savings | $2.9 million |
| Projected Over Budget | $2 to $3.3 million |
| Capital Improvement Fund | $7 million available |
| Boundary Line Vote | For student attendance at new schools |
FAQ
What was the budget for the new Lincoln Elementary School?
The approved budget for the new Lincoln Elementary School is $24.6 million.
How much is the project over budget?
The project is approximately $5 million over the original budget projection.
What are the available funds to cover the budget overage?
There is $7 million available in the capital improvement fund that could help offset the budget overage.
When will the construction of the new North Parkersburg Elementary School begin?
Construction for the new North Parkersburg Elementary School is expected to begin in October.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Texas Education Agency Releases 2025 A-F Accountability Ratings
West Virginia Faces Decline in Public School Enrollment
Vallejo City Considers School Closures Amid Budget Crisis
Garfield Re-2 School District Delays Start of School Year
Houston School Districts Set Start Dates for New Academic Year
Closure Recommended for Lincoln Elementary in Vallejo
Additional Resources
- News and Sentinel: Wood BOE Approves Grae Con for New Elementary Construction
- Wikipedia: Elementary School
- WTAP: Wood County Schools Contends with Federal Funding Pause
- Google Search: Wood County Schools
- Marietta Times: Wood County Schools Board of Education Votes to Not Renew Contract for Special Education Director
- Google Scholar: Wood County Schools
- WTAP: Wood County Board of Education Received Designs for New Elementary School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WTAP: Wood County Schools Receives Donation Signs Showing National Motto Compliance with New State Law
- Google News: Wood County Schools
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