WIRT COUNTY, W.Va. – Residents of Wirt County will decide in the upcoming election whether to approve a levy that could finance a brand‑new high school and extensive facility upgrades. Superintendent John McKown describes the proposal as a cost‑effective investment, noting that the monthly increase for a homeowner with a $100,000 property would be under $12.
What the levy would fund
If the levy passes, the district plans to issue $9.3 million in bonds, complemented by $18 million from the West Virginia School Building Authority. The combined $27.3 million would cover a new academic wing, an auxiliary gym, a practice track, updated football bleachers, a press box, a modern concession stand and renovated restrooms. The county’s bus garage would also receive upgrades.
Community impact
Wirt County High School principal Dottie Smith emphasizes the urgency of the project. The current building, over 80 years old, suffers from uneven heating and cooling, outdated restrooms and structural concerns. “One room may have a good temperature and you go down three rooms past that and it may be 30 degrees warmer or 30 degrees colder,” Smith explained, highlighting the inconsistent HVAC system.
Smith frames the levy as an investment for future generations, saying, “This is for my grandchildren and hopefully their children… This is Wirt County’s future. We have to sustain and build in order for there to be growth and for our community to thrive.”
Financial perspective
McKown stresses the affordability of the measure, comparing the monthly cost to “less than the price of a couple cups of coffee at Starbucks.” He calls the proposal “a very good deal” for the county, arguing that the long‑term benefits outweigh the modest tax increase.
How to vote
The levy will appear on the ballot for the upcoming election. Voters are encouraged to review the details provided by the school district and consider the projected improvements to educational facilities and community infrastructure. Election officials will provide polling locations and voting hours in the coming weeks.
Next steps
Should the levy be approved, the district will move forward with bond issuance and coordinate with the School Building Authority to begin design and construction phases. The timeline for completion has not been finalized, but officials anticipate that the new high school and associated upgrades could be operational within several years, depending on funding and construction schedules.
Community members who have questions or wish to voice support can attend upcoming school board meetings, where additional details and public comments will be welcomed.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
