Belmont County School News

Career Center Head Announces Retirement    

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Belmont-Harrison Vocational School District Superintendent Richard Schoene formally announced his retirement at the March 17 board meeting. His retirement will take place August 15.

Schoene has served the local district for 31 years of his 38-year education career.

During his time at the helm, he also served as president of the Ohio Association of Career-Technical Superintendents Association in 2021-2022.

The board will meet in special session at 6:00, Monday, April 7 to discuss steps to replace Schoene.

​​The Belmont-Harrison Vocational School District serves students from eight school districts in the two counties including Barnesville and Union Local. Ted Hanlon serves as Barnesville board member and Ed Stenger as Union Local board member.     

Belmont College, OUE Workforce Training Grants

COLUMBUS, OH – The State of Ohio recently released almost $1 million in state funding awarded to local colleges and career technical centers. The Ohio Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills Program (RAPIDS) is part of an $8 million statewide initiative announced by Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey.

The funding will support local institutions’ purchase state-of-the-art equipment for workforce training. Local awards include:

• Belmont College, $168, 301 
• Ohio University Eastern, $80,000 (part of main OU award)

Belmont County “Celebration of Art” Show Winners

Lydia Fuch’s, Barnesville High School, art piece titled “Fiddle of Freedom” was selected as People’s Choice Award during the recent art show from March 27-30 hosted by the Ohio Valley Mall. 

Entries were submitted by all of the school districts served by the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center.

Barnesville Schools

Barnesville Schools winners selected were, 1. Lydia Fuchs, 2. Fallyn Sellers, 3-4. Lydia Fuchs and, 4. Maleah Farrell.

Merit Awards for Barnesville were received by Hayley Hoffer, Lilah Lucas, Carson Burkhart, Karter Kaplet, and Chaela Smolira.

Union Local Schools

Union Local Schools winners selected were, 1. Kyree Noble, 2. Anna Twarog, 3. Kyleigh Leach, 4. Maddie Tingler and, 4. Emma Baker

 Merit Awards for Barnesville were received by Maddie Tingler, Kyree Noble, Kyeigh Leach, Layla Parker and Savannah Springer.