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WHEELING - She was employed with Ohio County Schools for more than four decades, and now Anne Hercules wants a seat on the Ohio County Board of Education.
"I worked for Ohio County Schools for 41 years," she said. "I would like to continue helping the students if I can.
"I'm new at this, but I would still like to be involved. I love the kids."
Two seats on the board of education are on the ballot in the May 14 primary election. Hercules and Jessica Powers are candidates residing in the 1st Magisterial District, while a third candidate, Bernie Albertini, lives in the 2nd Magisterial District.
Two candidates from among the three will be elected, with the top two vote-getters regardless of district earning the spots.
Hercules, 68, was hired in 1981 as a custodian, and over time she became coordinator for custodial services in the school district based at Wheeling Park High School.
"I feel that being in the schools, I have been around the students, faculty, staff, and administration for years," she continued. "I understand the needs of Ohio County Schools."
Hercules is widowed, and has two stepchildren who are WPHS alumni. She also has four grandchildren - three of whom are WPHS graduates.
One of them, Catherine Hercules, is a WPHS graduate who went on to the West Virginia School of Medicine and is now a pediatrician in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
She also has five great-grandchildren.
One of the problems facing the area is that too many young people are leaving the area, according to Hercules.
"And we can't keep faculty and staff because they want to leave because the county and state don't offer enough to keep them here," she said. "I would love to find a way to keep teachers up with pay so they come to Ohio County Schools."
Hercules noted her biggest concerns are the students, and "how do we keep them up to date with robotics and technology."
"I know I'm not perfect, but I do want to help in the best way I can to further the board of education," she said. "I feel I am a good candidate because I have worked with Ohio County Schools for so many years.
"In the end, it's all about the student body. They can learn and still have fun at their level of schooling. We've got the tools they need, they just need to come take advantage," Hercules added.