Education bodies to vote next week on future of Nicholas County schools

SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — The mediation team created regarding the future schools in Nicholas County released a potential rebuilding plan on Monday, which will be voted on next week.

The Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan includes at least one community school in Richwood serving students between sixth and 12th grades, a middle school and a comprehensive high school.

The first institution would be located within a three-mile radius of the former Richwood High School, and spaces would include distinct spaces for middle and high school students. The middle school and comprehensive high school would be near the geographic center of Nicholas County and feature an integrated career-technical program.

The schools would preserve current school names and cultures.

“Participation in career and technical education (CTE) will be available for all students in Nicholas County regardless of which high school they attend,” the mediation team said in a press release.

The mediation team is made up of members of the state Department of Education, state Board of Education and Nicholas County Board of Education.

The Nicholas County Board of Education will consider the plan at its meeting May 7. The West Virginia Board of Education will consider the plan on May 9 and consider further action. The state School Building Authority will meet May 10 to decide on the proposal.