Randolph County, West Virginia, October 16, 2025
News Summary
The Randolph County public hearing regarding the closure of Pickens K-12 School was canceled shortly before it was set to start. Superintendent Dr. Shawn Dilly announced the sudden decision due to new funding information that may allow the school to remain open for another year. The district plans to review this funding and assess community proposals affecting the school’s future. This cancellation follows another hearing that was withdrawn earlier in the year, highlighting ongoing challenges within the county’s education system.
Randolph County, West Virginia – The public hearing on the proposed closure of Pickens K-12 School was abruptly canceled just 90 minutes before it was set to occur on Tuesday night. This announcement was made by Randolph County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shawn Dilly around 4 p.m. on the same day, citing “new information related to funding” as the reason for the last-minute decision.
According to Chief Business Official and Treasurer Brad Smith, new funding information had come to light late Tuesday afternoon, prompting Superintendent Dilly to reconsider the immediate closure of Pickens School. Smith indicated that this additional funding could potentially allow the school to persist for at least one more year. However, Dilly warned that if the anticipated funding does not materialize, a hearing on the school’s closure might still be necessary in the future.
The school district is committed to thoroughly reviewing and validating the new funding details with the West Virginia Department of Education, in conjunction with other partners. As part of this process, there will be an assessment of various community proposals that could affect operational, instructional, transportation, staffing, and financial aspects for the 2026 school year.
Dilly’s announcement specified that the hearing’s cancellation does not imply a final decision regarding the school’s fate. It was emphasized that any revised proposal would strictly adhere to the legal requirements for public notice and hearings as per West Virginia law.
This cancellation marks the second instance this year where a scheduled hearing on the potential closure of Pickens K-12 School was called off. Earlier, in January, the proposal was formally withdrawn after the Board of Education voted against closing Harman School. In a related context, the Board had approved the closings of both Harman K-12 School and North Elementary School in recent months. Another public hearing is currently planned for October 28, concerning the potential closure of Coalton Elementary and Midland Elementary, which will take place at Elkins High School.
Additionally, it is important to note that the Randolph County Schools district has been placed under a State of Emergency by the West Virginia Department of Education since June. This designation means the district is now under probation for six months, risking a state takeover if it fails to balance its budget or demonstrate progress by December. A regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Office, where further discussions are expected to take place.
FAQs
Why was the hearing on Pickens K-12 School closure canceled?
The hearing was canceled due to new funding information that may allow Pickens K-12 School to remain open for at least one more year.
What happens next after the cancellation of the hearing?
The district will review and validate the new funding details and analyze community proposals that affect the school’s operations and budget. A decision regarding closure will be made if funding is not secured.
When is the next Board of Education meeting?
The next Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 21, at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Office.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Hearing Cancellation | Canceled 90 minutes before it was supposed to occur. |
| Reason for Cancellation | New funding information discovered. |
| Future Plans | Review funding with West Virginia Department of Education; assess community proposals. |
| Status of District | Under State of Emergency; on probation for six months. |
| Next Meeting | Regular Board of Education meeting on October 21 at 5:30 p.m. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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University of Pennsylvania Suspends Important Scholarship Program
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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