Superintendent tours Brooke High, touts levy
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WELLSBURG -- Interim Brooke Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Crook attended a meet-and-greet Thursday at Brooke High School, touring the school and learning more about the school district while also promoting an upcoming election to renew the county’s school levy.
Principal Timothy Pannett introduced Crook as “the face of the levy.”
“I have no hidden agendas,” said Crook. “I am all about the kids. My main priority is to help our kids and help our people.”
In addition to the meet-and-greet, there was a tour through the school where Crook was able to learn about the curriculum in the classrooms.
English teacher Brandy Mazzella was one of the teachers to open her classrooms to the tour.
“I really am excited about the future with him (Crook) as superintendent,” said Mazzella. “He seems to be focused on teachers and staff.”
When asked about the upcoming levy, Mazzella said she thinks students are invested in its support.
“Several of the students that were in the room with us today are ones that stay for after-school tutoring,” she said. “They are fearful of the changes they could face if the levy is not passed and voice that to their parents.”
Among members of the county Board of Education participating in the tour with Crook was Vice President Stacy Hooper.
“It is important that he (Crook) gets out to see the community in person, so people can start to trust again and know we are heading in the right direction,” said Hooper.
During the tour, Hooper also gave her support for the levy.
“One of the most important parts, I believe, is to provide funding for PRO officers for every school,” she said.
Hooper also noted her goals for the future.
“I would like to see more community in the school, and more school in the community,” said Hooper. “The school has a wellness center and pool that is free for the public, and there are a lot of volunteer opportunities for students in the county.”
Pannett also noted that without the levy being passed, all programs and offerings will have to be considered for reduction or elimination.
“Programs that are not being fully utilized will be looked at first,” he said.
Early voting for the upcoming election ends at 5 p.m., Feb. 20, and regular voting is 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Feb. 23.
(Linder can be contacted at tlinder@heraldstaronline.com)