VIDEO STARS — Among many appearing in a music video promoting Brooke County Schools are, from left: Melyn Bachinski, Kalliopi Makricostas, Cole Sperlazza, Brody McAllister, who wrote and performed a rap for it; Kendrick Fish and Shaylee Groves. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — A jam-packed Brooke County school board meeting Monday included the planned sale of a former school building, discussion of recent vandalism to school restrooms, the unveiling of a video promoting the school district and recognition of many student athletes.

Superintendent Jeffrey Crook said a public auction for the former Colliers Primary School is expected to be held in January, following the board’s approval on Monday.

Constructed in the 1980s, the building is the second school to have operated near the intersection of Harmon Creek and Mechling Hill roads.

Crook said the property had been appraised at $125,000, but Board Member Chris Byers suggested lowering the minimum bid to $100,000.

Noting bids for two other former schools came in lower than expected, Byers suggested a lower bid might attract more bidders.

The former Colliers school will be the fifth Brooke County school property to go up for bid in recent years.

Sale of Follansbee Middle School, L.B. Millsop and Beech Bottom primary schools and a doublewide trailer in Wellsburg once used by the Alternative Learning Center, and their adjacent properties, netted $647,000 for the school district.

Crook also advised he and others are working with local law enforcement to determine those responsible for the vandalism of restrooms at the county’s high school and middle school.

He said the individuals will be prosecuted and required to pay for the damages, which Steve Mitchell, the school district’s buildings and grounds supervisor, estimated at more than $3,000.

Mitchell said in an apparent response to a challenge posted on social media, students removed plumbing and other parts from beneath the restrooms’ sinks and nearly pulled the sinks themselves from the walls.

Crook said the restroom at the high school has been locked, with entry to it monitored by staff.

Mitchell said the restroom at the middle school has been blocked with a locked gate because it’s not possible to lock its door.

Crook added a surveillance camera has been added in the hallway outside of one.

Board President Ted Pauls said parents have complained about restrooms being locked, and he’s concerned about students having appropriate access to them.

Crook said unlocked restrooms aren’t far away.

Also on Monday, school officials unveiled videos touting the school district and the high school’s fall sports programs.

Both were produced by Mobility360, a local marketing firm hired by the board to promote the district at a time when state officials are allowing more charter schools and vouchers for parents of home and privately schooled students.

Because state funding for schools is based on enrollment, school districts want to retain and attract students.

Mobilize360 produced the music video with help from the high school’s broadcast technology students and direction from school officials.

Kevin Elias, broadcast technology instructor, said the music video can be seen on the school district’s Facebook page and other social media platforms and online through the National Federation of High School Networks.

Shot at the high school, the video features a rap written and performed by Brody McAllister, a senior at the school; and appearances by hundreds of students from various grades.

Crook said several students were invited to compose music for the video, but McAllister completed his song in less than an hour.

The superintendent said it focused on the high school, so McAllister was asked to alter it to reflect all Brooke County schools.

Receiving special recognition for their part in the video were: McAllister, Kendrick Fish, Cole Sperlazza, Shaylee Groves, Logan White, Melyn Bachinski, Kalliopi Makricostas, Adam Roberts and Jaclin Hedmond.

The board and others also viewed a video featuring several students participating in fall sports that will air as a commercial in programming broadcast in five counties by the Comcast cable company.

Crook said the music video, at 2 and a half minutes in length, is too long for a television commercial, but there are plans for future videos advertising the district’s arts and vocational programs.

The board also recognized many in the high school’s athletic programs for their accomplishments, including:

• The Brooke Middle School Cheerleaders, who are champions in the OVAC’s junior large division and PAC 8 runners up.

Coached by Haley Bowman and Chrissy Elson, the squad includes: Ella Burdette, Cadance Devore, Mollie Diaz, Kayla Elson, Marlee Ewusiak, Ava Gatten, Kennedy Guiddy, Gabby Hornick, Skye Palmer, Arianna Pinacchio, Sophia Sacripanti, Paisley Sadler, Addison Scherich, Ava Scherich, Riley Stein, Raelin Stoll, Gianna Svokas, Olivia Thomas and Lyla Van Horn.

• Brooke High School Soccer Coach Joe Pepe for his recent induction to the West Virginia Soccer Association Hall of Fame.

In addition to heading Brooke’s soccer program for eighth year, Pepe started Weir HIgh School’s programs, heading it for 20 years; as well as leading the youth soccer league formed by the Weirton Rotary Club.

Teams coached by him at the two schools garnered 334 wins, 203 losses and four ties.

Pepe also has encouraged the Brooke soccer players to serve the community, and they have collected canned goods for local charities and served as bell ringers for the Salvation Army.

• The following Brooke soccer players who have received state and regional honors: Eddie Marks, OVAC All Conference and All Star Member, West Virginia All All Region and All State Honorable Mention; Tyler McMahon, OVAC All Conference, West Virginia All Region and West Virginia All State Honorable Mention; Will Cruny, West Virginia All Region second team and All Valley first team; Ben Ferguson, West Virginia All Region and All Valley second teams; Devin Cipoletti, All Valley second team; Brooke Ohler, OVAC All Conference and All Star Member and West Virginia All Region first team and All State second team; Madison Platt, OVAC All Conference and All Star Member and West Virginia All Region second team; Brianna Ferguson, OVAC All Star Member and All Valley second team; and Grace Huntzinger, West Virginia All Region Honorable Mention and All Valley second team.

• The following Brooke Bruins named to the All-Valley Football Team: Jace Campinelli, second team running back: Gavin Moore, honorable mention wide receiver; Jake Donley, second team offensive line; Dan Rawson, first team defensive line; Tyler Wise, honorable mention defensive line; Luke Secrist, honorable mention linebacker; Gus Gilbert, second team defensive back; Dominic Craft, honorable mention defensive back; and quarterback Braelynn Sperringer, who received the Young Gun Award.