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In a remarkable turn of events, the tight-knit community of Paden City, West Virginia, has triumphed in its fight to keep its beloved high school open. Wetzel County Circuit Judge Richard Wilson ruled on Wednesday that Paden City High School must "reopen immediately and be kept open as if it never closed," siding with residents who contested the county superintendent's decision to relocate classes due to contaminated groundwater.

The Battle to Save Paden City High School

The controversy began in June when Wetzel County Schools Superintendent Cassandra R. Porter announced plans to move students, faculty, and staff to schools in nearby New Martinsville for the upcoming school year. The decision was driven by concerns over the presence of tetrachloroethylene, a solvent found in the school's groundwater, which led to the area being designated a Superfund cleanup site in March 2022.

Despite the contamination, the federal government did not recommend closing the school, asserting there was no immediate health risk. Nevertheless, Porter's announcement sparked an outcry from the community, leading to a legal challenge by attorneys representing the affected students, faculty, and staff. They argued that the closure would "devastate" the community, emphasizing the school's critical role in the town's social and educational fabric.

The Legal Victory

On July 12, Judge Wilson issued a temporary block on Porter's decision, pending a full hearing on July 25. Following the hearing, Wilson issued a preliminary injunction, reinstating all school personnel and ordering the return of equipment that had been removed in preparation for the relocation.

"This community inspires us all," remarked Teresa Toriseva, an attorney representing the residents, on her Facebook page after the judge's decision was announced. The ruling was a significant victory for the town of Paden City, reflecting the community's resilience and determination to protect their school.

The Environmental Concerns

The root of the controversy lies in the contamination of Paden City's groundwater with tetrachloroethylene, a chemical commonly used by dry cleaners. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified the contamination site near a former dry cleaner that closed over two decades ago in this Ohio River town of about 2,500 residents. Tetrachloroethylene is considered a likely carcinogen and can adversely affect the nervous system, liver, kidneys, and reproductive system.

Despite these concerns, the EPA's stance that there was no immediate health risk to students or staff played a crucial role in the legal arguments to keep the school open. The community's legal team successfully argued that the school's closure was unnecessary and would cause more harm than good.

A Community's Triumph

Judge Wilson's ruling to keep Paden City High School open is more than just a legal victory; it is a testament to the power of community action and the importance of local schools. For many residents, the school is more than an educational institution; it is a cornerstone of community life, fostering a sense of identity and continuity.

As the new school year approaches, the students, faculty, and staff of Paden City High School can look forward to resuming their routines in familiar surroundings, thanks to the determined efforts of their community. This case serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community stands together in defense of its values and institutions.