The Wood County Board of Education held a groundbreaking event for the new Lincoln Elementary School on Tuesday on the site of the former school of the same name. Construction of the new elementary is expected to be finished in 2027 and students from Emerson and Criss elementaries will be the first to roam its halls after the two schools close following completion of the new building. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

PARKERSBURG — The Wood County Board of Education held a groundbreaking event for the new Lincoln Elementary on Tuesday on the site of the former school of the same name.

“The original Lincoln Elementary opened in 1926 and served generations of families for decades,” Board President Justin Raber said. “Over the years, it adapted, expanded and evolved from classrooms and kitchen additions to serving as a center for adult education, curriculum support and many other areas.”

Despite Tuesday’s rainy weather, the community gathered to celebrate the event and saw the attendance of school board members, administrators and representatives from various local organizations.

Superintendent Christie Willis extended special acknowledgements to the West Virginia School Building Authority, West Virginia senators and delegates, McKinley Associates, Pickering Associates, former Wood County Board of Education members and the citizens of Wood County.

“We have so many people to thank today,” Willis said. “It took everyone working together to pass the bond in order for this to be possible.”

Andy Neptune, executive director of the School Building Authority of West Virginia, speaks to a crowd Tuesday during a groundbreaking event for the new Lincoln Elementary. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

Raber said the ceremony also marked the transition from Emerson Elementary and Criss Elementary to the new building after many years of dedicated service to the community.

“Their legacy is significant, and it will live through the opportunities created here at Lincoln Elementary School, a new chapter built on their strong foundation,” Raber said. “This new school will reflect the world our children are growing into with flexible learning spaces, advanced technology and environments designed for both academic and emotional growth.”

Raber thanked the citizens of Wood County for believing in its students and in the future of their education.

“Let this be the first of many milestones as we bring this new elementary school to life,” Raber said. “Let’s keep building with integrity, with unity and always for the kids.”