Delegate Larry Jones warns welding instructor vacancy could end CareerTech offerings

At the Brooke County Schools board meeting, delegate Larry Jones told the board he founded the school's welding program and warned that the program faces closure if the district cannot hire a qualified welding instructor. "I started a program. It's my program," Jones said, adding that graduates have found local trade jobs and some have started businesses.

Jones described persistent recruitment difficulties and questioned whether the district's starting pay and recruitment methods are competitive with private‑sector wages. "If you continue to sort them out at the base wage, you're never gonna get it," he said, citing industry salaries in the region that can be substantially higher than starting teacher pay.

Board members and administrators responded that the district has advertised the position multiple times, attended job fairs and reached out to unions and local employers, but acknowledged the pool of experienced instructors willing to move into the classroom is limited. A board member said the district "cannot pay a $120,000 for a welder for 90,000," noting compensation constraints under district policy and state starting points.

Administrators said they are exploring alternatives such as facility maintenance coursework and continuing outreach; board members reiterated support for CareerTech programs and pledged to continue recruitment efforts. No formal vote or policy change on instructor pay was taken at the meeting.

The board proceeded to routine business and approved consent agenda items and personnel actions unanimously after the discussion.