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NEW CUMBERLAND - The pupils at one of Hancock County's elementary schools will have a new nickname going forward.
Following a 5-0 vote Monday from the county Board of Education, the nickname used by Weirton Elementary School will change from "The Stars," to "Li'l Riders."
The proposal had been brought before the school board for consideration earlier this month, with the board requesting a survey of the school's Faculty Senate prior to any decision.
Superintendent Dan Enich noted an updated survey had been performed during a Faculty Senate meeting Aug. 22, with 89 responses.
"This was just a few days ago," Enich said, explaining of the responses, 83 were in favor of the proposed change.
Enich said he had spoken to school Principal Denise Miller, who also submitted a formal letter of request, which was read into the record Monday.
In her letter, Miller said the idea was to provide "continuity," between Weirton Elementary, Weir Middle and Weir High. Weirton's middle and high schools have been known as the "Red Riders."
Weirton Elementary School opened in 2014, combining the student bodies of Weirton Heights, Broadview and Liberty elementary schools. Officials noted the nickname of "The Stars," had been determined through a vote prior to the school's opening.
The school's faculty reportedly also voted for the change last spring. Enich previously explained he wanted to bring the matter before the board in order to make certain there was a historical record of the decision.
In other business, Monday, the board approved several personnel recommendations, including:
The resignation of Brandy Smith as multi-categorical/autism at the John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center, for other employment;
Assignment of 26 mentors for the 2023-24 school year;
The assignment of Carrie Magnone, Megan Guida and Matthew Shepherd as countywide substitute teachers. Shepherd's approval is pending favorable fingerprint results;
The addition of five days for school counselor Natalie Charlton at Weir High School to assist with scheduling for the start of the school year;
The resignation of Brooke Provenzano as head boys' tennis coach at Oak Glen High;
The assignment of Shane Talbott as assistant boys' soccer coach at Oak Glen High, pending favorable fingerprints;
The assignment of Jennifer Cooper and Sara Brown as co-sponsors for the Weir High Class of 2027, and Jeremiah Torres as chorus sponsor at Weir High;
The transfer of Haley Davis from supervisory aide/ECCAT first grade at Weirton Elementary to secretary II at Weirton Elementary.
A memorandum of understanding was approved between Hancock County Schools and The Soup Kitchen for the 2023-24 school year, with Director of Child Nutrition Steve Govey explaining the agreement allows the school to donate any unused food items to assist in feeding those in need.
The board also went into executive session for 51 minutes near the end of the meeting, to receive an update on legal issues and court cases, according to the agenda. No decisions were made following the executive session.
chowell@weirtondailytimes.com