September 13, 2025

Roane County Board Approves School Consolidation Plan

here-intlog
September 13, 2025
5:31 am
Cleveland, OH

News Summary

The Roane County Board of Education has approved a consolidation plan for Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools in response to a severe budget deficit of nearly $3 million. The plan aims to transfer students to Spencer Elementary and Spencer Middle Schools while yielding annual savings of about $1.45 million. Public hearings are scheduled to gather community feedback before a final vote on the proposal.

Spencer, West Virginia – The Roane County Board of Education has officially moved forward with a school consolidation plan aimed at addressing a significant budget crisis facing the district. During a meeting on September 11, 2025, the board unanimously approved a measure to initiate the consolidation of Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools, primarily in response to an alarming budget deficit of nearly $3 million.

Superintendent Michelle Stellato presented an impact statement highlighting the financial situation and potential outcomes of the proposed plan. The initial step in the process adheres to the legal requirements specified by West Virginia Code 18-5-13a, which governs school consolidation efforts.

Under the proposed plan, Geary and Walton Schools will not close immediately. Instead, the consolidation process will become formalized, with the intent to close both schools by the end of the current academic year. Students in grades K-5 from Geary and Walton are slated to be transferred to Spencer Elementary School, while those in grades 6-8 will attend Spencer Middle School. Additionally, all pre-K students currently enrolled will be relocated to the space now utilized by the Office of Student Support Services at Roane County High School.

The consolidation is projected to yield annual savings of approximately $1.45 million, offering a critical lifeline to the financially strapped Roane County Schools system.

Community Engagement Opportunities

To allow for resident feedback and input, the board has scheduled five public hearings regarding the consolidation proposal before rendering a final decision. These hearings are set for October 30, November 1, November 5, and November 6, 2025. Residents wishing to speak during these sessions must register 30 minutes prior to the start time.

Notices announcing the public hearings will be prominently posted in schools and other community facilities for a duration of 30 days leading up to the first meeting. Additionally, written comments can be submitted to the superintendent’s office by noon on October 24, 2025.

A definitive vote on the final proposal is anticipated on November 6, 2025. However, if weather conditions necessitate postponement, the vote may occur on November 7.

Context Behind the Decision

This initiative follows the West Virginia Board of Education’s declaration of a state of emergency for Roane County Schools in July 2025, a measure taken due to ongoing financial difficulties. Over the last decade, enrollment in Roane County has experienced a substantial decline of approximately 31%, with an average loss of about 70 students each year. As a result, Geary and Walton Schools are currently operating at less than 35% capacity, prompting officials to consider the consolidation as a viable solution.

In addition to consolidation, the board is investigating other potential revenue sources, including proposing a school levy and implementing further budget cuts. Residents and local officials have voiced their apprehensions regarding the impact of school closures on both local communities and students’ well-being.

After identifying the persistent issues with budget deficits, the local board of education authorized the superintendent to pursue the development of a consolidation plan. Moreover, the broader landscape of West Virginia’s public school funding—ranging from a projected $1.6 billion to $2.5 billion budget increase—has raised questions about fiscal management and the allocation of resources, especially during discussions surrounding school closures.

To delve deeper into the fiscal challenges, the board has initiated the formation of a special committee, tasked with investigating the school finances and exploring alternative options to address the district’s financial woes.