Spencer, West Virginia, September 13, 2025
News Summary
In response to a significant budget deficit, the Roane County Board of Education has voted for the consolidation of Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools. The district faces ongoing financial challenges, with a substantial drop in enrollment contributing to the need for restructuring. Public hearings are planned to gather community input on this proposal, which aims to save approximately $1.45 million annually.
Spencer, West Virginia – The Roane County Board of Education has voted to move forward with a proposed consolidation of Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools in response to an almost $3 million budget deficit. The board took this step during a meeting held on September 11, 2025, in a bid to address ongoing financial challenges faced by Roane County Schools.
Superintendent Michelle Stellato presented an impact statement along with supporting data that detailed the necessity for the consolidation. The board unanimously approved the initiation of the process, which will not result in immediate closures of the schools but will follow the required legal framework mandated by West Virginia Code 18-5-13a.
The current consolidation plan proposes to close Geary and Walton schools at the end of the 2025 academic year. If finalized, students from grades K-5 at the two schools will transfer to Spencer Elementary School, while students in grades 6-8 would move to Spencer Middle School. Additionally, pre-K students from these schools are set to be relocated to an area now used by the Office of Student Support Services at Roane County High School.
If approved, the consolidation is forecasted to save Roane County Schools approximately $1.45 million annually. Five public hearings are being organized to gather community feedback regarding the proposal before a final decision is made. The public is encouraged to register to provide comments; registrations must be submitted at least 30 minutes prior to the hearing start times.
The scheduled hearings will take place on October 30, November 1, November 5, and November 6, 2025. Notices of these hearings will be prominently displayed in schools and other community facilities for 30 days leading up to the first meeting. Additionally, written comments can be sent to the superintendent’s office until noon on October 24, 2025.
The board is slated to cast a final vote on the proposal during the last public hearing on November 6, 2025; however, inclement weather could result in a postponement to November 7.
The backdrop to this consolidation discussion includes a state of emergency declared by the West Virginia Board of Education for Roane County Schools in July 2025, stemming from financial turmoil. Compounding the situation is a notable 31% decline in enrollment across Roane County Schools over the last decade, which translates to a loss of about 70 students annually. Both Geary and Walton Schools have reported operating at less than 35% capacity, evidencing a pressing need for consolidation.
In addition to the specific consolidation plan, the board is considering other financial strategies, including potential school levies and further budget cuts. Concerns have arisen within the community regarding the repercussions of school closures on student welfare and local communities. In light of these issues, local officials have expressed the necessity for a thorough examination of school finances. Consequently, a special committee has been established to explore alternative options to address the budget crisis.
Amid these developments, the ongoing discussions center around the broader context of funding for West Virginia public schools, which has seen proposed budget increases ranging from $1.6 billion to $2.5 billion. These numbers raise critical questions about how state funds are allocated, particularly as school closure discussions gain momentum.
FAQ
What schools are proposed for consolidation?
The proposed consolidation will affect Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools, which will close at the end of the current school year.
How will the consolidation impact students?
Students in grades K-5 from Geary and Walton will move to Spencer Elementary School, while grades 6-8 will transition to Spencer Middle School.
When will the board vote on the consolidation proposal?
The board is scheduled to vote on the final proposal on November 6, 2025, with a possible postponement to November 7 due to weather conditions.
How many public hearings will be held regarding this proposal?
There will be five public hearings held to gather community input on the consolidation proposal.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Schools for Consolidation | Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools |
| Budget Deficit | $3 million |
| Projected Annual Savings | $1.45 million |
| Public Hearing Dates | October 30, November 1, November 5, November 6 |
| Final Vote Date | November 6, 2025 (possible delay to November 7) |
| Current Enrollment Decline | 31% over the last decade |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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