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Originally published Aug. 5, 2024
WETZEL COUNTY, W.Va. – Wetzel County Schools Superintendent Cassie Porter filed an emergency appeal to the West Virginia Supreme Court Monday to keep Paden City High School shuttered.
Porter’s appeal follows last Wednesday’s ruling by Wetzel Circuit Judge Richard Wilson who ordered that Paden City High School will remain open for the upcoming school year.
Porter points to benzene and “dangerous chemicals” found in the air in the school as a grave risk to children.
Paden City High School sits atop a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site. According to the EPA, Superfund gives EPA the funds and authority to clean up contaminated sites. In July 2024, EPA received questions about benzene in the high school and completed vapor intrusion testing which they say showed no significant levels of contaminants.
Porter released this statement on her appeal Monday:
“I have reviewed the order of the Circuit Court of Wetzel County reversing the temporary closure of Paden City High School. I trust the process; however, I am disappointed in the court’s decision which requires school children to attend a school in which benzene and other dangerous chemicals have been detected in the air. I have filed an emergency appeal to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals and requested that our state’s highest court take swift action to stay and reverse the circuit court’s order.
My highest duty is to provide all students with a safe learning environment. In ordering the temporary closure of Paden City High School, I fulfilled that duty with the guidance and support from the West Virginia Department of Education. If the Circuit Court’s order is not immediately stayed, then students and staff will report to Paden City High School while the appeal is pending.
Cassie Porter
Wetzel County Schools
Superintendent
According to the West Virginia Record, a group of Paden City residents and school employees represented by Wheeling attorney Teresa Toriseva had initially filed a petition asking the court to stop the school’s closure following Porter’s concern over toxic chemicals.
Porter had planned to move the Paden City High School students to Magnolia High School.
Plaintiffs in the case cited Paden City High School’s academic and athletic achievements and historic importance to the community as some of the reasons it should remain open. Students are scheduled to resume classes August 19.
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