Pickens, West Virginia, October 16, 2025
News Summary
A public hearing regarding the potential closure of Pickens K-12 School was unexpectedly canceled due to new funding information that may allow the school to remain open for another year. Superintendent Dr. Shawn Dilly announced the cancellation, emphasizing the uncertainty of future plans if funding does not materialize. The community is hopeful as the district collaborates with educational stakeholders to assess the new information. This cancellation follows a history of similar hearings and closures in the Randolph County Schools district, which is currently facing significant financial challenges.
Pickens K-12 School Hearing Canceled Due to New Funding Information
Pickens, West Virginia – A public hearing regarding the proposed closure of Pickens K-12 School was unexpectedly canceled less than two hours before it was scheduled to begin on Tuesday evening. Randolph County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shawn Dilly made the announcement via social media shortly before 4 p.m. that day, citing new information related to funding as the main reason for the cancellation.
According to Chief Business Official and Treasurer Brad Smith, the new funding details were received by Superintendent Dilly late Tuesday afternoon. This information has sparked hope for the community, indicating that there might be additional funding available that could allow Pickens School to remain operational for at least another year. Dilly decided not to move forward with the closure hearing based on this new development.
The potential new funding could change the course of action regarding the school’s future; however, Dilly noted that if this funding does not come through, the closure hearing may still be necessary in the future. The Randolph County Schools district intends to conduct a careful review of the funding information in collaboration with the West Virginia Department of Education and other stakeholders. This review will also examine various community proposals concerning operation, instruction, transportation, staffing, and fiscal implications for the upcoming 2026 school year.
While this recent cancellation brings optimism to advocates for Pickens School, Dilly’s statement emphasized that it does not determine the final outcome for the school. Any revised proposal related to the school’s future will adhere to all statutory requirements, which include public notices and hearings in compliance with West Virginia law and policies.
This marks the second time in just a few months that a hearing to vote on closing Pickens K-12 School has been called off. In January, after the Board of Education opted not to close Harman School, Dilly’s prior proposal to close Pickens was formally withdrawn. Additionally, the Board of Education has recently voted to close other schools, including Harman K-12 and North Elementary.
Looking ahead, another public hearing and vote regarding the closures of Coalton Elementary and Midland Elementary is scheduled to take place on October 28 at Elkins High School. This ongoing situation follows a period of financial turmoil for the Randolph County Schools district, which has been under a State of Emergency since June. The district remains on probation for the next six months and may face state takeover if it fails to balance its budget or demonstrate significant progress by December.
A regular Board of Education meeting is also slated for Tuesday, October 21, at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Office, where further discussions regarding school operations and potential closures are expected to occur.
FAQ
What was the reason behind the cancellation of the hearing on Pickens K-12 School closure?
The hearing was canceled due to new information regarding possible funding that may allow the school to remain open for an additional year.
When was the hearing scheduled?
The hearing was scheduled for Tuesday evening but was canceled approximately 90 minutes prior to its start.
Is a future hearing on the school’s closure still possible?
Yes, if the new funding does not materialize, a hearing regarding the closure may be necessary in the future.
What other schools are facing closure in the Randolph County district?
Harman K-12 School, North Elementary, and potentially Coalton Elementary and Midland Elementary are also being considered for closure.
What is the current status of Randolph County Schools?
The district is currently under a State of Emergency and is on probation for six months, with the possibility of state intervention if budget issues are not resolved by December.
Key Features of the Situation
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Cancellation | October 17, 2023 |
| Reason for Cancellation | New funding information received |
| Future Actions | Review of funding details and community proposals |
| Other School Closures | Harman K-12, North Elementary, Coalton Elementary, Midland Elementary |
| Status of Randolph County Schools | Under State of Emergency and on probation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cancellation of the 8 Mile War Football Game
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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