# Ohio County Board of Education Regular Meeting, October 12, 2026

At the Ohio County Board of Education regular meeting on October 12, 2026, the board discussed the condition and future of the Chidelia building. Officials reported that its boilers had failed and that replacement and broader rehabilitation could cost more than $500,000, with additional needs including bathrooms, flooring, and other repairs. The board unanimously voted to direct staff to seek bids for razing the building, including grading and parking work; staff estimated the demolition could cost about $120,000–$150,000 based on an earlier estimate, and suggested the general fund as a possible funding source. Staff said the alternative school would move to Wheeling Park High School and that other programs and stored materials would be relocated. The board also discussed possible new career and technical programs, including aeronautics, cybersecurity, and medical technology, but no procurement action on those proposals was reported.

The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the results of a public auction for an outright sale of coal and mineral rights; the transcript does not identify the buyers or sale amounts. During review of paid bills, members asked about a prior energy-savings lease associated with geothermal HVAC, a $25,000 payment to West Virginia University Extension, and a Seaman’s Industries payment for camera and microphone equipment relocated or added at several schools; the latter amount is unclear in the transcript. The meeting also recognized a statewide STEM teacher initiative funded by a $5 million grant and a $1,500-per-school award for food and clothing pantry items. No specific new contract award or purchase authorization was reported beyond the demolition bid action and consent agenda approvals.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 12, 2026

### Sources
- [Ohio County Board of Education Regular Meeting, October 12, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De9Nxpqfd0w) - OCS Video