WYOMING COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Richard “Richie” Walker, a familiar name in Wyoming County, has announced that he will be seeking reelection to the Wyoming County Board of Education.
Walker has served on the board for the past four years and shared his thoughts on the last four years as well as looking toward the future.
A product of Wyoming County Schools, Walker says that he is proud to make his living and raise his family in the county.
Walker highlighted his passion for working with kids, emphasizing that every decision made on the board directly affects the students.
“I love working with kids and every decision you make on the board affects the kids, which is why you’re there,” Walker said. “It doesn’t matter if it is service personnel, teachers, or administration.”
His personal connection to the school system includes having three kids graduate from Wyoming County Schools, with one pursuing a career as a dental hygienist and the other two finding success as coal miners through the Wyoming County Career & Technical Center (WCCTC).
Walker also stated the new law enforcement/public safety program at the WCCTC has benefited his oldest grandson.
Walker said that because of that program, shortly after graduating high school, his grandson was able to swiftly graduate from the West Virginia State Police Academy and has been a Wyoming County Deputy for nearly a few months now.
He currently has five grandkids in the school system.
When asked about his educational background, Walker stated that he graduated from Pineville High School in 1982, emphasizing that his highest education is a “Master’s in Common Sense.”
He shared a specific example of his common-sense approach during the mask mandate, where he stood against it, advocating for parental choice.
“During the mask mandate, I was the guy that stood against the mandate,” Walker explained. “The folks at the state, they left it up to the board, and I always stood against that because I thought it should be the parent’s choice.”
As the Director of Operations for E-Z Stop Stores, Walker expressed his commitment to the community and the importance of treating people with respect and compassion.
He believes in the biblical principle of treating others as you would like to be treated, a philosophy he has applied to his role on the board.
“On my signs you’ll see ‘Our Children Our Priority’, that is true,” Walker stated. “I honestly believe that we should treat people with kindness regardless of what walk of life they come come from, treat them the way you want to be treated and the way that He would treat them.”
Walker’s pride for the Wyoming County School system is evident as he commended the dedicated individuals, including service personnel, teachers, administrators, and coaches.
“I’m humbled just to serve these people and to be a voice for our county.”
Walker says he enjoys taking a hands-on approach to better understand what is going on in the school system.
Walker says he has personally rode on school buses and visits all schools in the county at least once or twice a year.
A bond has grown between Walker and students within the county. Walker says it means a lot to him to see the students grow and succeed, and even employ them once they graduate.
“I employ a lot of these kids when they get out of school. Sometimes I’m their layover while they’re going to college,” Walker stated. “When I see them in the ninth grade when you visit school, and then you watch them walk across the stage, and then they come to your place to be a clerk, cook, manager, or assistant manager, there’s a bond.”
He emphasized that every decision made by the board is centered around the well-being and benefit of the children, making it a guiding principle, and asks the people of Wyoming County to trust him for another four years.
“I’m humbled that they trusted me. And what I would ask for is that if you trusted me the last four years and you believe that we’re doing the job that you asked us to do there with our children being our priority and making common sense decisions; I would humbly ask you to trust me four more years.”
Walker stated that he is always available to listen to any concerns or answer questions citizens may have.
Those interested in learning more about Richard “Richie” Walker may do so here.