The Wood County Board of Education has officially approved new instructional materials for PreK and social studies programs following a months-long review process led by a committee of educators. The decision came during Tuesday night’s regular board meeting and was hailed as a local initiative to enhance education without state or federal mandates.
“This is local government approving curriculum that’s not being mandated by the state or federal governments,” said Board President Justin Raber, emphasizing the independence and commitment of the school district in improving education standards.
The instructional review process, which began in January, was spearheaded by the district’s director of Curriculum and Instruction, Ashlee Beatty.
A committee of 30 educators from a range of schools and grade levels conducted thorough evaluations, including reviewing printed and digital materials, attending publisher presentations, and applying state education department criteria.
“Every year, we have such fantastic team members,” Beatty said. “Their dedication and passion for education is evident. The workload is heavy for teachers, and this adds more to their plate, so we’re especially grateful for their commitment to providing the best resources for our students.”
For PreK students, the board selected the Broad Street Curriculum, which PreK teacher Whitney Dobson of Blennerhassett Elementary School praised for its comprehensive approach.
The program integrates core subjects like literacy, math, science, and social studies and includes the Conscious Discipline program to help children develop strong emotional and conflict-resolution skills.
In the early grades, Studies Weekly was chosen for kindergarten through second grade. Laura Wagner, a kindergarten teacher at Williamstown Elementary, endorsed the program, noting that it meets 100% of state content standards and offers interactive magazines that actively engage young learners.
Grades three through five will adopt Teachers Created Materials, a curriculum that stood out in evaluations. Samantha Sloan, a third-grade teacher at Lubeck Elementary, highlighted the curriculum’s inclusion of state-specific content.
“My third graders absolutely love our ‘All About West Virginia’ time,” she said. “This resource has significantly enhanced their connection to our state’s history and culture.”
Middle school students will benefit from Gibbs Smith Education, known for encouraging primary source analysis and supporting cross-curricular learning.
High school students will receive updated materials from Cengage and HMH for various social studies topics, continuing the district’s commitment to strong academic foundations.
In addition to curriculum approvals, school safety also took center stage. Jeremy Bell, the district’s coordinator of Safety and Security, introduced a new plan to bolster School Resource Officer (SRO) training. Working with local law enforcement, the district is developing a memorandum of understanding to create a joint approach to professional development.
“We’re working with sheriffs and police chiefs to identify training needs and ensure SROs are equipped to handle school environments safely and effectively,” Bell said. The plan includes collaboration to determine specific needs, secure funding, and coordinate opportunities to enhance officer preparedness.
The board also took time to recognize several standout students who were selected to attend the 2025 Governor’s Schools, including the Governor’s Honor Academy, Governor’s School for the Arts, and the Governor’s STEM Institute.
“These are rigorous and enriching summer programs for students in grades 7 through 11,” said Candace Lewis, director of Curriculum and Instruction. “Admission is highly competitive, and we are so proud of the students who have earned a place.”
Lewis added that participation in these programs provides unique opportunities for students to build skills, explore new interests, and prepare for future academic and professional success.
From curriculum updates to student achievements and enhanced safety measures, the meeting underscored Wood County Schools’ commitment to delivering quality education and fostering a safe, enriching environment for all learners.
