(Photo by Douglass Huxley) A groundbreaking event for the new Vienna Elementary being built behind West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s new Innovation and Technology Center on the former Ohio Valley University campus was held Wednesday with representatives from Wood County Schools, WVUP, the West Virginia School Building Authority and Wood County Economic Development participating in the event.

VIENNA — A groundbreaking event for the new Vienna Elementary being built behind West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s new Innovation and Technology Center was held Wednesday with representatives from Wood County Schools, WVUP, the West Virginia School Building Authority and Wood County Economic Development participating.

“It is such an exciting day, not just for Vienna or Parkersburg or Williamstown, but all of Wood County, but also for every student, family, educator and community member who believes in the power and promise of education,” said Justin Raber, Wood County Board of Education president. “It is an honor to stand with you as we break ground on the new Vienna Elementary School, a school that will become a cornerstone of opportunity for generations to come.”

The new school will feature a middle school-sized gym, a second-floor media center and a total of 59,231 square feet of space, designed for a projected enrollment of 522 students.

“Today is more than a construction milestone. It is a commitment, a commitment that every child deserves a safe, modern and inspiring place to learn,” 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 support. It will embody 21st century values: innovation, safety, collaboration and opportunity.”

Originally, the district considered rebuilding the new school at the existing Vienna Elementary site or constructing a new facility at Jackson Park. That changed after concerns about space, traffic, soil conditions and class time interruptions were considered.

(Photo by Douglass Huxley) Students, teachers and administrators from Neale and Vienna Elementary participated in a groundbreaking event Wednesday for the new Vienna Elementary being built behind West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s new Innovation and Technology Center on the former Ohio Valley University campus.

The new school found its home after the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Foundation gifted the district land behind the college’s new Innovation and Technology Center on the former Ohio Valley University campus.

“That proximity creates a unique and powerful connection between early education and future career pathways, reinforcing that learning is a lifelong opportunity and journey,” Raber said.

Redistricting is still in progress and will determine which students attend the new Vienna Elementary versus nearby schools like Greenmont Elementary after Neale and the current Vienna elementaries close after the end of the 26-27 school year. Raber said their legacy would not disappear with their closings.

“Their legacy is significant, and it will live on through the opportunities created here in our new Vienna Elementary School — a new chapter built on their strong foundation,” he said.

Raber said the new building is being positioned as a hub of curiosity, opportunity, and community for generations to come.

(Photo by Douglass Huxley) Olivia Reeder, vice president of institutional advancement at West Virginia University of Parkersburg; Tori Jackson, WVUP president; and Christie Willis, superintendent of Wood County Schools, participated in a groundbreaking event Wednesday for the new Vienna Elementary being built behind West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s new Innovation and Technology Center on the former Ohio Valley University campus.

“To our educators, families and especially our students: This school will be more than just walls and hallways. It will be a place where curiosity grows,” Raber said. “Let this be the first of many milestones that we bring to Vienna. And as we bring this elementary school to life, let’s keep building with integrity, with unity, and always, always for the children.”

Construction on the new Vienna Elementary is expected to be finished before the start of the 2027-28 school year.

(Photo by Douglass Huxley) Justin Raber, Wood County Board of Education president, spoke during a groundbreaking event Wednesday for the new Vienna Elementary being built behind West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s new Innovation and Technology Center on the former Ohio Valley University campus.