photo by: Joselyn King

Those retiring from Ohio County Schools were recognized by board of education members Monday night.

WHEELING — It was a night for goodbyes as Ohio County Schools honored 23 retiring employees — and recognized two outgoing board members for their service.

Board members Pete Chacalos and Erik Schramm attended the last meeting of their terms Monday night. New members Bernie Albertini and Anne Hercules will be sworn in to office at 8 a.m. July 1 at the board office, 2203 National Road, Elm Grove.

Schramm returned to the board in July 2023 after being appointed by West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt to fill the board seat representing the 1st Magisterial District following the death of former board member Grace Norton.

Neither Schramm nor Chacalos sought re-election to their seats this year.

Schramm had previously served as a board member from 2004-12.

“I didn’t know Mrs. Norton, but I hope I did her some credit,” he told those present Monday. “We’re blessed to be here in this community, and we’re blessed to be here in this school system.

“Nothing I’ve seen since I’ve been on the board has turned my opinion. We’re all truly blessed. This is a very special place.”

He thanked all those in the school system for all they do for the community and expressed appreciation to the community for the support it provides to Ohio County Schools.

Schramm also shared best wishes for the two new board members.

“It’s been a real experience over the past four years,” Chacalos said. “I leave having no regrets.

“I know as board members we haven’t always agreed, and in many ways that is good. But I have always respected the opinions of my fellow board members, and I thank them for always respecting mine.”

Board President Andy Garber called Chacalos “the most interesting man in the world.” He noted that Chacalos was a past science teacher and athletic trainer at Wheeling Park High School.

“He loves sports. He especially loves Wheeling Park High School, WVU (West Virginia University) and, yes, Cleveland,” Garber said. “I’ve loved the stories he’s shared about the places he has been and the things he has experienced, and the people in sports he has contacted and interacted with.”

He added that Chacalos has a football and baseball card collection, an autograph collection, and loves history – especially Civil War history. Chacalos has written the book, “Born of Rebellion: West Virginia and the Civil War.”

Garber also spoke about Schramm.

“It’s not easy to find the individuals who will put the effort into being what is a viable and reliable member of the board of education,” Garber said. “We are very lucky that Erik came back after serving eight years as a board member in a prior board life. He has proven he still cares about the students and staff of Ohio County Schools.

“His wisdom and expertise were invaluable in helping the board make decisions about the direction we should take on contracts and on issues.”

Garber also wished the retirees well, adding that “retirement is greatly underrated.”

“It is exciting to see so many people here who have given so much to our kids in so many capacities,” Superintendent Kim Miller told the retirees.

Randy McCardle, an employee of the Ohio County Transportation Garage, was honored for having spent 47 years with the school district.

Other service personnel retiring included Ruth Bankey, 15 years; James Bradley, 9.5 years; Joseph DaRe, 13 years; Marie Farnsworth, 30 years; Kevin Ferrell, 26 years; David Hoffman, seven years; Jill Hutchison, 23 years; Laraw Marshall, 12 years; Debra McKitrick, 18 years; Lucretia Riggs, 43 years; Kenneth Siburt, 15 years; and Sherry Tschappat, 22 years.

Retiring professionals recognized included Candace Bippus,19 years; Erin Bowers, 26 years; Joseph Leife, 18.5 years; Ellen Nau, 12 years; Benjamin Podolski, 37 years; Ann Railing, 12 years; Barbara Randolph, 39 years; Timothy Shepherd, 15 years; Mark Williams, 16 years; and Sandra Wiseman, 36 years.

The board also approved the hiring of two new language teachers for WPHS Monday night. Irene Gonzales will teach Spanish and Philip Titus-Glover will teach French.

Titus-Glover said he has a brother who teaches French in Ghana, and he expects they will be working together for “collaborative teaching” of students.

The board also approved a 3% wage increase for central office administrative staff.

The first meeting for the new board is set to take place at 6 p.m. July 8 at the board office.