News Summary
The Roane County Board of Education has proposed a plan to consolidate Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools due to a significant budget shortfall. This decision aims to save approximately $1.45 million annually while maintaining educational services. The plan will also involve community engagement through public hearings. The final decision is expected to be made in early November.
Roane County, West Virginia — August 11, 2025
The Roane County Board of Education has approved a plan to consolidate two elementary middle schools, Geary and Walton, as part of a broader effort to address a significant budget shortfall. The move comes amid ongoing financial difficulties facing the school district and aims to create substantial cost savings while maintaining educational services.
Background of the Consolidation Plan
The decision to pursue school consolidation was reached during a meeting held on September 11, 2025. The Board of Education discussed a proposed plan to merge Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools into a centralized system, driven primarily by a nearly $3 million budget deficit facing Roane County Schools. This financial challenge prompted the district to evaluate and implement cost-cutting measures to ensure the sustainability of educational programs.
Details of the Proposed Consolidation
The consolidation plan does not involve immediate school closures but initiates a legal process consistent with West Virginia Code 18-5-13a. The schools are scheduled to close at the end of the current academic year, with the transition aimed at minimizing disruptions for students and families.
Under the plan, students in grades K-5 from Geary and Walton would transfer to Spencer Elementary School, and students in grades 6-8 would attend Spencer Middle School. The district also plans to consolidate all pre-K students into an area now utilized by the Office of Student Support Services at Roane County High School.
Projected Savings and Financial Impact
The consolidation is expected to generate annual savings of approximately $1.45 million. These funds are anticipated to alleviate some of the district’s financial pressures, which have been exacerbated by declining enrollment and increased operational costs.
Community Engagement and Public Hearings
To gather community input, the district has scheduled five public hearings in the coming months. These hearings will provide residents and stakeholders an opportunity to voice concerns and ask questions about the consolidation process. Public comments must be registered 30 minutes before each hearing, which are scheduled for October 30, November 1, November 5, and November 6, 2025.
Notice of these hearings will be posted for 30 days in schools and other public facilities. Additionally, written comments can be submitted to the superintendent’s office by noon on October 24, 2025.
Next Steps and Final Decision Timeline
The school board intends to vote on the final consolidation proposal during its meeting scheduled for November 6, 2025. Should weather conditions cause postponement, the vote would be rescheduled for November 7, 2025.
Context and Broader Financial Challenges
The push for school consolidation is set against a backdrop of ongoing financial distress in the district. In July 2025, the West Virginia Board of Education declared a state of emergency for Roane County Schools due to persistent budget issues. Over the past decade, district enrollment has declined by about 31%, with approximately 70 fewer students enrolling each year. Geary and Walton schools currently operate at less than 35% capacity, highlighting their inefficiency and contributing to the decision to consolidate.
Additional Measures and Community Concerns
Alongside consolidation, the district is exploring other revenue options, including potential school levies and further budget reductions. A special committee has been formed to analyze the district’s finances comprehensively and develop alternative strategies.
Residents and local officials have expressed concerns about the impact of school closures on community cohesion and student well-being. The district continues to balance financial necessity with the goal of providing quality education and stable community environments.
Funding and State-Level Context
The discussion around school finances occurs amid broader debates involving increased state funding for public schools. Recently, West Virginia announced a budget increase ranging from $1.6 billion to $2.5 billion for public education, prompting questions about how funds are allocated, especially in districts facing closures and decline.
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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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