Written by Emma Delk
WHEELING — A career as a lawyer and a desire to stay involved in the local community paved the way for Molly Aderholt to serve as a member of the Ohio County Board of Education.
The 47-year-old's legal knowledge not only applies to her work as an attorney at Spielman, Thomas & Battle, but also helps her fulfill her many duties as a BOE member.
After attending WVU Law School, Aderholt worked in Morgantown and then in the Wheeling office of Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC. Mr. Aderholt's legal career led him to his current position in Spielman, Thomas & Battle's corporate and litigation departments.
“I remember deciding in sixth grade that I wanted to be a lawyer,” Aderholt said. “I considered other fields in high school, but I think I was ultimately destined to become a lawyer.”
When she and her husband, John, settled in Wheeling, it was the opportunity to help others through work that always led Ms. Aderholt to a legal path.
“Achieving positive results for our clients is extremely rewarding, and we also learn something new about people, business, and the profession in the process,” she explained.
This desire to learn something new about the people and businesses in the community led to Mr. Aderholt's involvement in various local organizations. As Aderholt raised his three children in the city, his involvement with civic organizations became tied to activities in which his children participated.
Aderholt’s volunteer resume includes years of volunteering with FC Wheeling United Travel Soccer Club and Young Life. Aderholt also serves on the board of the Children's Museum of the Ohio Valley and is currently on Young Life's Mountain State Regional Start Team.
She also said she would remain “generally involved” in her children's school and education.
Prior to running for BOE in 2018, Ms. Aderholt was a member of the Strenrod Elementary School Parent Association Executive Committee and the Regional School Improvement Council.
“I think schools and education are very important to society, and I wanted to have a say in the education of children in the community, including my own,” Aderholt explained.
“It was all part of my journey to run for school board. I'm both a parent and a lawyer, so I thought I could provide a valuable perspective.”
Aderholt's desire to serve on the school board, in addition to wanting to have a say in the education of children in her community, stems from her “reading a lot'' on “a variety of subjects'' related to education. Ta.
As Aderholt gained more general knowledge about the school system and education, her interests focused on curriculum development and different teaching methods. She also found herself fascinated by “new and innovative” ideas being put into practice in classrooms across the country.
Aderholt's research has led her to become a “strong believer” in data-driven approaches to student health, such as aligning school start times with adolescents' natural sleep cycles.
In addition to her independent investigation skills, her experience as an attorney also proved to be another asset to her as a BOE member.
Approving contracts, reviewing policies and investigating employee issues are all things she feels her background as a lawyer will help her with her work as a school board member. Her legal knowledge allows her to “identify potential issues” and “advise on how to avoid or address them.”
“I also think critical thinking skills are valuable in any position. As a lawyer, I develop those skills every day,” she added.
Being able to have a seat at the table that delivers “what’s best for students” is what Aderholt finds most rewarding about her position. She hopes to see more young women run for office or join the legal profession to have the same opportunities she has.
“Sexism is alive and well, unfortunately, but I don't know if sexism in Wheeling is necessarily better or worse than it is in other places,” Aderholt said. “I think young women can look around our community and see women in leadership roles across the board.”
To bring professional women together in the community, Aderholt is preparing a women's networking event to be held in April. She wants to help women professionals in the field “understand how they can help each other succeed.”
Ms. Aderholt's work on the school board and promotion of professional women in the region reflects her encouragement of active participation for all.
“Good communities have good people who care and engage and give of themselves to make it a better place,” she said. “Being on a school board is not an easy position, but it is a rewarding one.As a member of the BOE, I strive to hold firm to my beliefs and what I believe is right. I’m here.”
Aderholt has found many dedicated community members and friends in Wheeling. She said many of her contemporaneous acquaintances have returned to the Valley to raise their families after attending college, which she finds very “meaningful.”