News Summary
The public hearing on the potential closure of Pickens K-12 School in Randolph County has been canceled due to new funding information. Superintendent Dr. Shawn Dilly made the announcement shortly before the hearing was set to occur. The decision was influenced by emerging community efforts and the possibility of additional funding. As the district reviews the new financial details, future proposals will adhere to state regulations, ensuring public input remains a priority.
Randolph County, West Virginia – A public hearing scheduled for tonight on the potential closure of Pickens K-12 School has been abruptly canceled. The announcement was made by Randolph County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shawn Dilly on social media just before 4 p.m., approximately 90 minutes before the hearing was set to begin.
The cancellation was prompted by the emergence of new information related to funding, as well as ongoing community efforts that could allow Pickens School to operate for another year. Chief Business Official and Treasurer Brad Smith explained that Superintendent Dilly received this new funding insight late Tuesday afternoon, which led to the decision to postpone the closure discussions.
According to Smith, it appears additional funding might be available for the school. Consequently, Dilly decided against proceeding with the planned hearing. However, he also indicated that if the expected funding does not come through, a hearing on the school’s closure may still be necessary in the future.
The district now plans to work closely with the West Virginia Department of Education and other stakeholders to review and verify the new funding information. In addition, they will be evaluating various community proposals concerning the operational, instructional, transportation, staffing, and fiscal implications for the upcoming 2026 school year.
Dilly emphasized that tonight’s cancellation does not finalize the school’s fate. Future revised proposals will still comply with statutory requirements, which include public notices and hearings, as mandated by West Virginia law and policy.
This cancellation marks the second time this year that a hearing regarding the closure of Pickens K-12 School has been called off. In January, after the Board of Education voted against closing Harman School, Dilly had formally withdrawn the proposal to close Pickens K-12.
Recent actions taken by the Board of Education include decisions to close Harman K-12 School and North Elementary. Another public hearing and vote regarding the closure of Coalton Elementary and Midland Elementary is scheduled for October 28 at Elkins High School.
The Randolph County Schools district has faced significant financial challenges and was placed under a State of Emergency by the West Virginia Department of Education in June. The district is currently on probation for a six-month period, as failure to balance its budget or demonstrate improvement by December could lead to a state takeover.
A regular Board of Education meeting is set for Tuesday, October 21, at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Office, where future plans and updates regarding the school district’s status will likely be discussed.
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Additional Resources
- The Intermountain: A New Hope
- WBRC: Pickens County Schools Begin New School Year with No Glitches
- The Intermountain: Community Funds Playground Built at Pickens School
- WBOY: Randolph County BOE Cancels Vote to Close Pickens School
- Wikipedia: Education in West Virginia
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