ELKINS, W.Va. — After two attempts to consolidate schools in Randolph County and the uncertainty of state and federal funding, reduction-in-force hearings begin this week in Elkins.
Information from the Randolph County Board of Education agenda shows plans to eliminate four school counselors, a special education teacher and the coordinator of transportation.
Earlier this year the BOE voted 4 to 1 to keep the Harman School open despite months of discussions to close it. Randolph County School Superintendent Shawn Dilly then voluntarily pulled his request to close the Pickens School as well.
“Obviously it has been affecting the county for quite some time and we’re kind of at a dire situation right now,” Dilly said at the time. “The fact that the board has rejected those proposals pretty much ties our hands and leaves us in a difficult position of finding a viable path forward of balancing the budget for next year.”
Dilly said the school system faces a $2 million budget shortfall due to a significant enrollment drop and the loss coronavirus relief funding.
The best way to deal with the financial hardship was consolidation, according to Dilly.
The board of education is scheduled to meet Monday evening. The hearings are scheduled to continue through Thursday if necessary.