Roane County Board Moves to Consolidate Schools Amid Budget Crisis

Spencer, West Virginia, September 13, 2025

News Summary

The Roane County Board of Education has approved a plan to consolidate Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools due to a significant budget deficit. The consolidation will transfer students to Spencer Elementary and Spencer Middle Schools, potentially saving $1.45 million annually. Community feedback is being sought through public hearings, as the board evaluates financial solutions amid declining enrollment and funding challenges.

Spencer, West Virginia – The Roane County Board of Education has moved forward with a plan to consolidate Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools amid a significant budget crisis, which has resulted in a nearly $3 million deficit. During a meeting on September 11, 2025, the school board unanimously approved an impact statement introduced by Superintendent Michelle Stellato, initiating the consolidation process mandated by state regulations.

The proposed plan, which is not set to close any schools immediately, outlines the strategy to shut down Geary and Walton schools at the end of the current academic year. Under the consolidation, students in grades K-5 from both schools will be transferred to Spencer Elementary School, while those in grades 6-8 will move to Spencer Middle School. Additionally, all pre-kindergarten students will be relocated to the area now used by the Office of Student Support Services at Roane County High School. This consolidation is projected to generate annual savings of approximately $1.45 million for the Roane County Schools.

To gather feedback from the community, five public hearings have been scheduled, allowing residents to voice their opinions before the board makes a final decision. These meetings are set for October 30, November 1, November 5, and November 6, 2025. Residents wishing to speak must register at least 30 minutes before the hearings commence. Furthermore, written comments can be submitted to the superintendent’s office until noon on October 24, 2025. The board anticipates voting on the final consolidation plan on November 6, 2025; however, inclement weather could postpone the vote until November 7.

This consolidation proposal is rooted in an urgent financial situation, highlighted by the West Virginia Board of Education declaring a state of emergency for Roane County Schools in July 2025. Over the past decade, student enrollment in Roane County has decreased by 31%, translating to a loss of approximately 70 students annually. Both Geary and Walton schools are currently operating at below 35% capacity, underscoring the necessity for a consolidation strategy.

In addition to the proposed consolidation, the board is also considering alternative measures to address the budget deficits, such as exploring potential revenue streams including a school levy and evaluating further budget cuts. Local residents and officials have expressed their concerns regarding the implications of school closures on community cohesion and the well-being of students. In light of these issues, the Roane County Board of Education has authorized the superintendent to develop a detailed consolidation plan following the identification of the budget problems.

Moreover, discussions surrounding a budget increase ranging from $1.6 billion to $2.5 billion for West Virginia public schools have raised questions about the equitable allocation of funding amidst ongoing school closure deliberations. To address these complex financial challenges, the board has formed a special committee designated to investigate the school’s financial situation further and propose alternative solutions.

As the process unfolds, the community remains engaged and attentive, with hopes that all voices are heard during public hearings and that the final decisions made by the board prioritize both the educational needs of students and the financial sustainability of Roane County Schools.

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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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