News Summary
The Roane County Board of Education has voted to implement a consolidation plan affecting Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools due to budget deficits and declining enrollment. No immediate school closures will occur, but public hearings are scheduled to gather community input before a final vote. This plan aims to save significant funds and address operational challenges within the district, with broader discussions on school finances ongoing.
Spencer, West Virginia – On September 11, 2025, the Roane County Board of Education voted unanimously to advance a consolidation plan affecting Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools in response to a nearly $3 million budget deficit. This critical decision aims to streamline resources and address a pronounced decline in student enrollment within the district.
The consolidation plan as proposed outlines that while no schools will close immediately, the process will begin following West Virginia Code 18-5-13a. If approved after public hearings and further evaluation, Geary and Walton schools would officially shut down at the end of the current academic year. Students in grades K-5 from these schools would transfer to Spencer Elementary School, while grades 6-8 would move to Spencer Middle School. Additionally, all pre-K students would be consolidated into the space currently occupied by the Office of Student Support Services at Roane County High School.
The consolidation effort is projected to save Roane County Schools approximately $1.45 million annually, a significant step toward addressing longstanding financial challenges. To engage the community in this decision-making process, the board has scheduled five public hearings to gather input from residents before a final vote on November 6, 2025. Should adverse weather conditions hinder the meeting, the vote could shift to November 7. Residents interested in speaking at the public hearings must register 30 minutes prior to the meetings. The hearings are set for October 30, November 1, November 5, and November 6, 2025, with notices to be posted in schools and other facilities for 30 days before the initial meeting. Written comments can also be submitted to the superintendent’s office by noon on October 24, 2025.
This consolidation decision follows a state of emergency declared by the West Virginia Board of Education for Roane County Schools in July 2025, reflecting ongoing financial distress within the district. Over the past decade, Roane County has experienced a staggering 31% drop in enrollment, losing approximately 70 students each year. Currently, Geary and Walton schools operate at less than 35% capacity, which has prompted urgent discussions on consolidating these institutions.
In addition to the proposed school closures, the district is exploring various measures to enhance revenues, including potential school levies and further budget cuts. Local residents and officials have voiced concerns about the effects of school closures on community dynamics and the welfare of students, underscoring the complexities surrounding the proposed consolidation.
The local board authorized the superintendent to develop this consolidation plan after recognizing the persistent budget deficits plaguing the district. While the state has allocated between $1.6 billion to $2.5 billion for public school budget increases across West Virginia, questions arise regarding fund allocation amid looming discussions about school closures. In light of these issues, a special committee has been established by the board to further investigate school finances and propose alternative solutions.
Overall, the Roane County Board of Education’s recent decision marks a significant step toward re-evaluating and restructuring the district’s operations in the face of a pressing financial crisis. Upcoming public hearings will provide a vital platform for community engagement as residents continue to navigate the complexities of the prospective school consolidation.
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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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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
