News Summary
The public hearing on the proposed closure of Pickens K-12 School was canceled unexpectedly due to new funding developments. Randolph County Superintendent, Dr. Shawn Dilly, announced the decision on social media shortly before the hearing was to begin. Ongoing community efforts and the potential for supplementary funding have prompted a review of the school’s status, delaying any closure decisions. This cancellation marks the second hearing called off this year, reflecting the district’s challenges and the need for continued dialogue regarding future operations and educational funding.
Pickens, West Virginia — Last-Minute Cancellation of School Closure Hearing Amid New Funding Developments
The scheduled public hearing on the proposed closure of Pickens K-12 School was unexpectedly canceled Tuesday evening, just approximately 90 minutes before it was set to begin. The decision was announced by Randolph County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Shawn Dilly, on social media shortly before 4 p.m.
Reasons for the Cancellation
The cancellation stemmed from new information related to funding and ongoing efforts within the community that might enable Pickens School to remain operational for an additional year. According to the district’s Chief Business Official and Treasurer, Brad Smith, Superintendent Dilly received this funding information late Tuesday afternoon. This new data has prompted the district to pause the planned closure process temporarily.
Potential for Additional Funding
Brad Smith explained that the possibility of supplementary funding prompted Superintendent Dilly to hold off on moving forward with the closure hearing. The district intends to review and confirm the validity of this funding with the West Virginia Department of Education and other relevant partners. If the funding is confirmed and deemed sufficient, it might delay or prevent the closure of Pickens School for the near future.
Next Steps and Community Involvement
The district states that it will evaluate and consider community proposals surrounding the upcoming school year, particularly concerning operational, instructional, transportation, staffing, and fiscal impacts for 2026. Superintendent Dilly emphasized that the cancellation of the hearing does not predetermine a final outcome regarding the school’s future.
Any future proposals regarding the school’s status will follow statutory requirements, including public notice and hearings in compliance with West Virginia law and district policy.
Historical Context and Previous Actions
This cancellation marks the second time this year a hearing regarding Pickens K-12 School has been called off. Earlier in January, after the Board of Education voted against closing Harman School, Superintendent Dilly’s original proposal to close Pickens School was officially withdrawn.
Recently, the Board of Education has taken other actions, including voting to close Harman K-12 School and North Elementary. Looking ahead, another public hearing and vote concerning the closure of Coalton Elementary and Midland Elementary is scheduled for October 28 at Elkins High School.
District Challenges and State Oversight
In June, the West Virginia Department of Education placed Randolph County Schools under a State of Emergency. The district remains on probation for six months, with the potential for a state takeover if there is failure to balance the budget or demonstrate meaningful progress by December.
The district’s upcoming regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, at 5:30 p.m., to be held at the Central Office, where further discussions regarding district operations are expected.
This situation reflects ongoing efforts to navigate fiscal challenges and community interests amid the district’s uncertain future, with decisions on school closures and funding remaining fluid based on new developments.
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HERE Resources
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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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