RAYLAND — Buckeye West Elementary School has a new principal for the 2017-18 school year.

Monday’s meeting of the Buckeye Local Board of Education saw the hiring of two new administrators. West Elementary will be helmed by Lucas Parsons, who takes over as principal following William Luther, who has been promoted to assistant superintendent and director of curriculum, instruction and professional development.

Parsons comes from St. Paul School in Weirton, where he has worked for the past 14 years.

“I have been an English teacher for eight of those years and in administration for the rest. I’ve been the principal for the last two years, and I’ve been the vice principal and dean of students before that,” he said, adding that he looks forward to moving from private to public school administration. Parsons said he has a lifelong history and knowledge of the area.

“The best part about this move is that I’m a ’99 graduate of Buckeye Local, so I’m coming home, which is the best part,” he said. “It’s always great to be able to come back to your alma mater, back to the people who built you into the person you are, and I truly believe Buckeye Local did that.”

“I believe in community. Even though I’ve been in Weirton for the last 14 years, I have lived and made my home in Tiltonsville, Ohio, so I have never left the district. My family’s there. I believe my work ethic that I’ve learned in the private sector will definitely benefit the district of Buckeye Local. I’m ready to hit the ground running. I love Buckeye. I truly believe in what they’re trying to do in Buckeye local in restoring the roar and bringing back pride to the community,” he said.

“Recently at St. Paul we’ve just raised our test scores and I want to bring the enthusiasm that I have to Buckeye West to build upon what Luther has already created. His test scores are very good, and I want to build upon that,” Parsons said.

“Adena, where Buckeye West is located, is a very strong community, and I believe they are very family oriented. I want to build upon that as well.

“I have talked to the administration that was there before me. They have an excellent staff. Their main priority is the students,” Parsons added. “That’s what I believe, too. Students come first. Once you put students first, you believe in your staff, the test scores do come with that. They already have a great foundation. The skills I have will only build upon what they have already begun.”

The board also approved the hiring of Krista Blackwell as coordinator of special programs. Originally from Rayland, Blackwell has been with the district for 10 years as an intervention specialist at West Elementary. She is a 2003 graduated of Buckeye Local. Her work will cover special needs students from preschool through high school seniors.

“My duties will involve special education and trying to get all the buildings in the district on the same page,” she said, adding that she will also focus on continuing the accomplishments of the preschool program.

Blackwell is now looking to improve the performance of all the special needs students.

“I think we’re going to need to work on getting our test scores back up,” she said, adding that this will involve identifying students needs and providing the right assistance.

“I think after being an intervention specialist in this district for 10 years, I have an idea on what we need to focus on. There have been some changes at West Elementary that seemed to work, and I would like to implement some of those changes into our other buildings as well.”

Both were approved with one-year contracts.

The board also received the resignation of August Hanson, high school principal, who left to take a position as principal at Belmont Career Center. Buckeye Local will take applications and conduct interviews to fill the vacancy.