Monongalia County Board votes 3–2 to appeal judge’s ruling on Suncrest Primary property

The Monongalia County Board of Education voted 3–2 on Jan. 13 to continue an appeal of a circuit court ruling over deed restrictions for the Suncrest Primary School property.

Beth Ann Bosio, a Suncrest resident, told the board she submitted a petition and said the community learned of the board’s legal action through a newspaper order of publication rather than direct notice. "I hold in hand a petition with 6 90 signatures" and urged the board to "stop spending additional taxpayer dollars on litigation over the land," saying records show the board paid about $120,900.92 to outside counsel.

Board members said the district must weigh fiscal responsibility and future school needs. After a closed-session discussion on litigation and property sale, the board debated whether to proceed with an appeal. Supporters said preserving future school capacity justified the appeal; opponents warned about legal costs and urged transparency.

The motion to continue the appeal carried on a 3–2 vote. The board reported no decision was reached in executive session about a sale of property, and the formal motion afterward was limited to pursuing the appeal.

Why it matters: The Suncrest parcel is central to a local dispute over deed restrictions and potential future school needs. The petitioner and residents seek clarity about the district’s plans and use of taxpayer funds ahead of an upcoming levy.

What’s next: The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 27 at 5 p.m. The appeal will proceed through the courts; no additional timeline for filings was announced at the meeting.