ELKINS, W.Va. — After two attempts to consolidate schools in Randolph County and the uncertainty of state and federal funding, reduction in force (RIF) hearings begin this week in Elkins.
Information from BOE agenda shows plans to terminate four school counselors, a special education teacher, and the coordinator of transportation.
Earlier this year the BOE voted 4 to 1 to keep the Harmon School open despite months of discussions to close it. Superintendent Shawn Dilly then voluntarily pulled his request to close the Pickens School as well.
At the time Dilly said,” Obviously it has been affecting the county for quite some time and we’re kind of at a dire situation right now. 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.