West Virginia Board of Education Declares State of Emergency for Randolph County Schools
CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Board of Education declared a state of emergency for Randolph County Schools on Wednesday, acknowledging significant financial concerns within the district. A six-month emergency period will allow the state Department of Education to collaborate with Superintendent Shawn Dilly and the local Board of Education in developing a comprehensive plan to address identified deficiencies, including a balanced budget proposal.
The state board’s decision follows a report highlighting pressing issues like declining enrollment, aging facilities, and a projected $2.8 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2025. The report noted a lack of cohesive decision-making among board members, particularly regarding school consolidations, which some members opposed due to transportation challenges. Superintendent Dilly had previously suggested the closure of under-enrolled schools, including Harmon School with 103 students and Pickens School with just 29, but faced opposition from the board.
Interviews conducted by Alexandra Criner, director of the Office of Accountability for the Department of Education, revealed that the board’s communication with Dilly was a significant barrier, creating uncertainty about personnel decisions, thereby exacerbating financial instability. The board’s reluctance to approve necessity actions, such as staffing cuts, has led to grievances from affected employees.
In a related matter, the state board also voted to intervene in Boone County Schools after a special review uncovered systemic issues linked to a $3.4 million kickback scheme involving a former maintenance director. The absence of Boone County representatives at the state board meeting raised concerns among members about accountability and oversight.
As interventions proceed for both counties, the state aims to stabilize their educational systems and restore operational integrity.
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