News Summary
The Roane County Board of Education has approved a significant plan to consolidate Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools to address a nearly $3 million budget deficit. The plan, aiming to save approximately $1.45 million annually, will involve transferring students to Spencer Elementary and Spencer Middle Schools. Community engagement is essential, with five public hearings scheduled for input prior to the board’s final vote on the proposal. This consolidation reflects ongoing financial challenges in the district, including declining enrollment and operational costs.
Roane County, West Virginia — September 11, 2025
The Roane County Board of Education took a significant step forward in addressing a severe budget crisis by approving a plan to consolidate two elementary and middle schools. The decision came after a comprehensive review of the district’s finances and ongoing efforts to manage a nearly $3 million deficit.
Key Details of the School Consolidation Plan
The board unanimously approved a proposal to begin the legal and administrative process to combine Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools. The plan does not immediately close any schools but initiates the formal procedures required under state law (West Virginia Code 18-5-13a). The targeted timeline intends to close both schools at the end of the current academic year.
Under the consolidation plan, students in grades K-5 from both Geary and Walton would transfer to Spencer Elementary School. Students in grades 6-8 would attend Spencer Middle School, while pre-kindergarten students will be consolidated into a designated area at Roane County High School, now used by the Office of Student Support Services.
Financial Impact and Expected Savings
The consolidation is projected to save approximately $1.45 million annually in district expenses. This reduction is seen as vital for stabilizing the district’s finances, especially as enrollment declines and operating costs remain high.
Community Engagement and Public Hearings
Before making a final decision, the board will hold five public hearings across the district to gather community input. These hearings are scheduled on October 30, November 1, November 5, and November 6, 2025. Community members interested in speaking at these meetings must register at least 30 minutes prior to the start.
In addition, notices about the hearings will be posted for 30 days in schools and other district facilities to inform residents. Written comments can also be submitted until noon on October 24, 2025, to the superintendent’s office for consideration prior to the final vote.
Timeline for Final Decision
The board plans to cast a final vote on the consolidation proposal< during its meeting scheduled for November 6, 2025. Should weather conditions affect the date, the vote could be postponed to November 7.
Background Context and Broader Concerns
The financial difficulties in Roane County schools have been ongoing, with the West Virginia Board of Education declaring a state of emergency for the district in July 2025 due to persistent budget shortfalls. Enrollment has declined by approximately 31% over the past decade, resulting in the loss of about 70 students annually. As a consequence, Geary and Walton schools are operating at less than 35% capacity, making consolidation a necessary consideration.
District officials are exploring other revenue options, such as proposing a school levy, along with potential additional budget cuts. To investigate these and other financial strategies, the school board has authorized the creation of a special committee to evaluate district finances and develop alternative solutions.
Community Reactions and Future Steps
Residents and local officials have expressed concerns about the impact of school closures on their communities and students, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive community engagement in the decision-making process. The district’s focus remains on balancing fiscal responsibility with maintaining quality education and community stability amid ongoing financial challenges.
The district’s efforts come against a backdrop of state-wide discussions about school funding. Reports indicate that West Virginia public school budgets have increased between $1.6 billion and $2.5 billion in recent years, prompting questions about the management and allocation of these funds. The consolidation plan reflects the district’s commitment to making strategic decisions to ensure long-term financial sustainability while addressing immediate fiscal pressures.
As the community awaits the final vote, the district continues to explore various options to support its schools and students during this challenging period of financial transition.
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
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
