News Summary
The Roane County Board of Education is moving forward with a plan to consolidate Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools due to a substantial budget shortfall. This plan aims to save approximately $1.45 million annually and includes relocating students to nearby Spencer schools. Public hearings are scheduled to gather community feedback, with a final vote on the proposal planned for early November. The decision comes amid a state of emergency declaration for the local education system, highlighting the ongoing financial crisis affecting Roane County Schools.
Spencer, West Virginia – The Roane County Board of Education has moved forward with a controversial consolidation plan that proposes merging Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools, amid a significant budget crisis that has left the district facing a nearly $3 million shortfall. The decision, made during the board’s meeting on September 11, 2025, aims to address ongoing financial difficulties impacting the local education system.
The consolidation plan is set to begin the legal process as outlined by West Virginia Code 18-5-13a, allowing the schools to operate until the end of the current academic year. Under the proposal, students in grades K-5 will be relocated to Spencer Elementary School and those in grades 6-8 to Spencer Middle School. Additionally, all pre-K students will move to a designated area now used by the Office of Student Support Services at Roane County High School.
Superintendent Michelle Stellato presented an impact statement, which provided supporting data for the consolidation that the board unanimously approved. The anticipated outcome of the consolidation is a savings of approximately $1.45 million annually for Roane County Schools.
Public Involvement and Feedback
In an effort to gather community input, five public hearings have been scheduled, allowing residents to express their opinions on the proposal. These hearings will take place on October 30, November 1, November 5, and November 6, 2025. Residents interested in speaking during these sessions must register 30 minutes prior to the meetings. To ensure everyone has a voice, written comments can also be submitted to the superintendent’s office by noon on October 24, 2025.
The final vote regarding the consolidation proposal is planned for November 6, 2025. However, in the event of inclement weather, the vote may be rescheduled to November 7.
Background Context
This consolidation effort arises against the backdrop of a financial crisis that has prompted the West Virginia Board of Education to declare a state of emergency for Roane County Schools in July 2025. Over the past decade, enrollment in Roane County has dropped by 31%, resulting in the loss of approximately 70 students each year. Consequently, Geary and Walton schools are operating at below 35% capacity, necessitating the need for consolidation to maximize resources effectively.
The decision to pursue this consolidation was guided by the local board of education’s authorization for the superintendent to develop a plan after identifying critical budget deficits. In addition to the proposed school closures, the district is exploring alternative revenue sources, such as a school levy and potential further budget cuts to address the financial challenges at hand.
Community members and local officials have voiced concerns over the implications of closing schools on both the local community fabric and the well-being of students. The formation of a special committee aims to investigate the school finances in greater detail, seeking to identify alternative options and solutions to the budget crisis while navigating the complexities of school consolidation.
A broader context includes an ongoing dialogue regarding a proposed $1.6 billion to $2.5 billion budget increase for West Virginia public schools, which has raised questions about the allocation of funds amidst school closure discussions.
As the Roane County Board of Education moves ahead with this consolidation plan, the outcome remains uncertain, but the potential impacts on students, staff, and the community at large continue to resonate as key factors in the ongoing decision-making process.
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Additional Resources
- WSAZ: Consolidation Plan Approved by County School Board
- WV News: Roane County Board of Education Votes to Develop Consolidation Plan
- WV Metro News: Roane County BOE Will Look at Other Options Before Closing or Consolidating Two Elementary Schools
- WCHS TV: State Senator Seeks Legislative Solution to Halt School Closures in West Virginia
- News and Sentinel: Financial Issues Place Roane County Schools in State of Emergency
- Wikipedia: Roane County, West Virginia
- Google Search: Roane County Schools budget issues
- Google Scholar: Roane County Schools consolidation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: West Virginia
- Google News: Roane County Schools
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