Recently, a group of citizens has become concerned that it's school may be facing closure due to the board of education's proposal for a 10-year-plan.

Signs are up all across Paden City stating "Choose Paden City Schools."

These signs are a response to a recent decision to place the possible merger of Paden City High School with another school in the county's ten year plan.

That plan must be submitted to the state board of education by August 2010.

A group of citizens working as part of the Cornerstone Project wants to see that option taken off of the list.

"This is not Paden City versus the board of education. This is not Paden City versus Wetzel County. This is simply a group of people that's here to sustain and maintain what's already in Wetzel County," Paden City High School Athletic Director Fred King said.

King said it is important to keep the school open to allow the students who attend thier school to have opportunities to be involved in activities that they may not be able to participate in at other schools.

King also said keeping the school open is also good for business.

"The school is the hub of the community. A lot of money is spent in town because of the school. If you lose the school, then there's no need for people to be in town spending their money. It'd be spent in other towns," said King.

Paden City businessman Rodney Wade agreed.

"I feel that the school is the lifeblood of the town. If we lose this school, it'd be a terrible tragedy. I know there are only five miles between New Martinsville and Paden City, but I think, for the town's sake, we need the school," said Wade, owner of Quality Aluminum.

While there are still many months ahead before the proposal containing the possible merger will be submitted, the Cornerstone Project wants to get information regarding the benefits of the school to the public and the board of education as soon as possible.

King said to remember that this is only part of a proposal for a 10-year-plan.

The Wetzel County Board of Education has not made any kind of decision to close the school.