September 13, 2025

Roane County Schools Propose Consolidation to Address Budget Crisis

News Summary

The Roane County Board of Education has proposed the consolidation of Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools due to a significant budget crisis, with plans to save approximately $1.45 million annually. This move, which will reassign students to Spencer Elementary and Middle Schools, aims to address severe financial challenges faced by the district, including declining enrollment and a substantial deficit. Public hearings are scheduled to gather community feedback before a final decision is made.

Spencer, West Virginia – The Roane County Board of Education is moving forward with a proposal to consolidate Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools as a response to a significant budget crisis, which includes a nearly $3 million deficit. The board approved the initiative during a meeting held on September 11, 2025, where Superintendent Michelle Stellato presented an impact statement outlining the necessary steps required to begin legal proceedings for consolidation under West Virginia Code 18-5-13a.

The consolidation plan does not mandate the immediate closure of any schools; instead, it sets the framework for a process that proposes closing Geary and Walton schools at the end of the current academic year. Under the plan, students from kindergarten to fifth grade would be reassigned to Spencer Elementary School, while grades six to eight would transition to Spencer Middle School. Additionally, all pre-K students from the two schools would be relocated to the area currently occupied by the Office of Student Support Services at Roane County High School.

This consolidation is anticipated to save the Roane County Schools approximately $1.45 million each year, a crucial step in alleviating the financial strains faced by the district. As part of the consolidation process, five public hearings are scheduled to gather community feedback before a final decision is reached. Residents interested in voicing their opinions can register to speak at these hearings, with registration required 30 minutes prior to the start of each meeting. The scheduled hearings will take place on October 30, November 1, November 5, and November 6, 2025.

To ensure transparency and community involvement, notices regarding the public hearings will be distributed in schools and other facilities for 30 days leading up to the first meeting. Additionally, written comments can be submitted to the superintendent’s office by noon on October 24, 2025. The board is set to vote on the final proposal on November 6, 2025; however, severe weather may cause a postponement, shifting the vote to November 7.

Background Context

The decision to consolidate schools arises from severe financial difficulties faced by the Roane County Schools. In July 2025, the West Virginia Board of Education declared a state of emergency for the district, primarily due to ongoing financial issues and declining enrollment rates. Over the past decade, Roane County has experienced a 31% decline in student enrollment, losing roughly 70 students each year. This significant drop in student numbers has led to underutilization of school facilities, with Geary and Walton operating at less than 35% capacity.

In light of these challenges, local education officials authorized the superintendent to explore various measures, including the possibility of a school levy and additional budget cuts. The consolidation plan is part of a broader effort to mitigate financial losses and address potential revenue sources amid discussions on a proposed $1.6 billion to $2.5 billion budget increase for West Virginia public schools. However, such increases have raised questions about how allocated funds relate to the ongoing school closure discussions.

As the community grapples with the implications of school closures, residents and local officials have voiced concerns regarding the effect on student well-being and the fabric of their communities. To further address these issues, a special committee has been formed to delve deeper into the school district’s finances and to consider alternative options moving forward. The forthcoming public hearings present an opportunity for community members to engage in the decision-making process, as the board seeks a path out of its financial crisis while maintaining educational standards.

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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER

NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, 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 New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.

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