Schramm Sworn In to Ohio County Board of Education, Says He’s Not Running in 2024
Joselyn King Trending
WHEELING -- Returning Ohio County Board of Education member Erik Schramm was sworn into office and took his seat on the board Monday night, but he indicated he won't be sitting there this time next year.
"I'm not running for election," Schramm said. "I was appointed for 11 months, and I will do my best during that time.
"I have no intention, whatsoever, to run for the Ohio County Board of Education."
He assumed the unexpired Magisterial District 1 term left vacant following the death of Grace Norton on May 27.
Schramm previously served on the Ohio County Board of Education from 2004 through 2012, and was board president during the last two years of his tenure.
Last month, sitting board members were deadlocked on who they should appoint to the vacant seat, and in the end they delegated the decision to new West Virginia Schools Superintendent Michele Blatt.
"The state superintendent of schools contacted me and asked me before she appointed me if I would be interested in coming back to help Ohio County Schools, and I told her I would do my best," Schramm explained. "I guess she believed me because she appointed me.
"I have 11 months to do as much as I can, and help as much as I can."
He added that he knows he has some catching up to do.
"I've been gone for 10 years," Schramm continued. "I have a lot to listen to. I'm going to listen, and try to learn. I will try to do the best that I can to help."
Overall, he isn't convinced all that much has changed in the school system in the past decade.
"Kids are still kids," Schramm said. "I have a couple of grandkids now as opposed to my sons being in the schools. Kids are kids. Teachers want to teach. Kids begrudgingly go to school -- some like it, some don't. Administrators want to have a good school system, and Ohio County Schools has always had a great school system. I don't think that changes, but things can always be tweaked."
When Schramm left the board at the end of 2012, he had just overseen the raising of funds and led the district toward the building of the J.B. Chambers Performing Arts Center at Wheeling Park High School.
Now recent years have seen Ohio County Schools spend about $100 million on property improvements throughout the school district.
"There have been a lot of big improvements -- from athletic fields to classrooms to lunchrooms," he said. "I think it's great, and they're not done yet.
"Obviously, the taxpayers supported it. They have always supported Ohio County Schools. We are blessed to be here, and we're blessed to have this school system."
Schramm earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from Bethany College; a master's in business administration from West Virginia University; a master's certificate in federal government contracting from WVU and the Federal Market Institute; and a Juris Doctorate from WVU.
He is a partner in the law firm Hanlon, McCormick, Schramm, Bickford and Schramm in St. Clairsville.
Schramm will be the third attorney on the Ohio County Board of Education, alongside members David Croft and Molly Aderholt. The other two members on the five-member board -- president Andy Garber and Pete Chacalos -- are retired educators.
The term being filled by Schramm expires June 30, 2024.
Croft said Monday night that when he was first elected to the board, Schramm "was very generous with his time, telling me what not to do."
"He was always available for questions, and they haven't stopped during the five years I've been on (the board)," Croft continued. "It's a privilege to have him sitting at this table. He will be an excellent addition."
Aderholt and Chacalos also welcomed Schramm, as did Garber.