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photo by: Joselyn King

Ohio County Schools Assistant Superintendent Rick Jones, left, welcomes board of education member Molly Aderholt into the board office through portable metal detectors being tested by the school district. Superintendent Kim Miller stands at the front door.

WHEELING — Ohio County Board of Education members entered the board office building Monday night through portable metal detectors being tested for potential use throughout the school district.

The estimated cost for the metal detectors is about $20,000, according to Assistant Superintendent Rick Jones.

During their meeting, board members discussed the possibility of hiring an educational logistics firm to assess Ohio County Schools’ current bus routes and transportation needs in a more in-depth way. The purpose of the study would be to determine what measures Ohio County Schools could take to start the school day at Wheeling Park High School no earlier than 8:30 a.m., and end the day no later than 3:30 p.m.

Three companies submitted proposals: CSEO, which bid $13,320; Prismatic, $18,500; and Edulog, $25,000.

In 2022, Ohio County Schools paid Edulog $10,000 for a study that wasn’t as in depth in its scope and didn’t provide the answers needed by the school district. Edulog’s initial proposal for the new study was $34,000, but Edulog provided a $9,000 discount to achieve the $25,000 bid.

School officials noted the wide discrepancy in the proposed prices for the study and acknowledged the companies were not all considering the same type of survey.

“I think what we need to let the public know is we must examine our public transportation system to see and optimize what we are doing – to see if there is a possibility for us changing school starting time,” board member Andy Garber said.

In order for any changes to be made, an optimization of bus transportation has to occur, he added.

“The money we’re going to spend here is tough. In all honesty, I would rather use the money for metal detectors or furniture for a school,” Garber said. “But … we need to have this done and have a company take a look at what we are doing and what we have on hand. …

“We’re taking a look at what these companies can offer and what the cost is so we can make a good decision for Ohio County Schools.”

Board member Molly Aderholt presided over the meeting Monday night because board President David Croft was not in attendance.

Aderholt has championed the issue of starting classes at least an hour later at WPHS, where the school day now begins before 7:30 a.m. She noted she sees added financial advantages in undergoing the transportation optimization studies, particularly in terms of fuel savings.

“Didn’t we get enough information from Edulog the last time?” board member Anne Hercules asked. “Why do we have to do this when we already did it once?”

Aderholt said the information previously provided to Edulog wasn’t detailed enough, and the firm only looked at switching bus routes for efficiency rather than “taking it to the bottom” and considering individual student usage.

“I have a problem with the fact that we’re not even sure the public – those with students – want to do this, and we’re going to spend this money? I don’t know … ,” Hercules said. “To me, this is a lot of money if it is something the parents aren’t in line with.

“I realize science proves (later start times are beneficial to high school students), but it’s the parents who have to follow through with it. I have very, very mixed feelings that we’re going into their homes and telling them what to do with their kids.”

The board did not vote on the proposals Monday night, but instead opted to wait until the next meeting after all had read through the data and Croft also could be present.

Jones also spoke about the metal detectors at the door, explaining they are on loan for free from Lauttamus Communications for the next three to four weeks. He said they are the same type used at PNC Park in Pittsburgh and at Milan Puskar Stadium at West Virginia University. Each unit costs $20,000.

The board will next meet at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at the board office, 2203 National Road, Wheeling.