The honors are piling up for Poca Middle School

It's now a West Virginia Exemplary School and was recently named a West Virginia School of Excellence.

"The instruction is second to none. The kids are second to none. It's a great school." says West Virginia Superintendent of Schools, Steve Paine.

But what really sets them apart are the conditions in which they're learning.

Principal, Dale Eggleton says, "This school was built in 1926. We have maintenance people over here just about everyday."

Students consistently get the highest test scores in the county, despite a crumbling 83 year old building, that was the original Poca High School.

"I have to go in the boys bathroom and flip a breaker to put the computers back on upstairs." says Eggleton.

The tile floor is a prime example of the maintenance that's always needed at an old school like Poca Middle. But the principal says a lot of time and money could be saved if they just had a new school.

"The problem is we cannot put the electrical system in to support 21st century education." says Eggleton.

Parent, Melissa Ballard agrees and hopes the upcoming levy will finally pay for a new school.

"My mother graduated from here in 1950. My eighth grade daughter is leaving now." laughs Ballard.

And Eggleton adds, "They deserve a new school where they can enjoy and learn."

The bond will be voted on in August. If it passes the school will be torn down and a new one constructed by 2011 or 2012.