News Summary
The public hearing regarding the proposed closure of Pickens K-12 School was unexpectedly canceled just before it was scheduled to start. This decision, announced by Randolph County Superintendent Dr. Shawn Dilly, comes in light of new funding information that may allow the school to remain open for another year. The district plans to verify the funding details and reassess community proposals as it navigates ongoing budget challenges. This cancellation follows a previous postponement earlier in the year, reflecting the community’s concern regarding the school’s future.
Pickens, West Virginia – A public hearing to discuss the proposed closure of Pickens K-12 School has been abruptly canceled just 90 minutes before it was scheduled to begin on Tuesday night. The announcement, made by Randolph County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shawn Dilly via social media, came shortly before 4 p.m. on Tuesday. The cancellation is attributed to the emergence of new information regarding funding for the school, which may provide an opportunity for Pickens to remain operational for at least another year.
Dr. Dilly announced that the decision to cancel was influenced by new funding details received late Tuesday afternoon. District Chief Business Official and Treasurer Brad Smith revealed that there might be additional financial resources available for Pickens School. This prompted Dilly to reconsider the planned hearing on the school’s closure.
The school district intends to verify the new funding information with the West Virginia Department of Education and other relevant partners. A fresh evaluation of community proposals will also be conducted to consider the operational, instructional, transportation, staffing, and fiscal impacts for the upcoming 2026 school year. Dilly noted that if the additional funding does not emerge as anticipated, the need for a closure hearing could arise in the future.
The cancellation announcement came shortly after local residents had mobilized around the potential closure, showcasing community interest in preserving the school. The matter of Pickens K-12’s future is particularly pressing for families within the community who rely on the school’s services and educational offerings.
This cancellation marks the second time a hearing regarding the closure of Pickens K-12 School has been postponed this year. In January, following the Board of Education’s decision to keep Harman School open, Dilly formally withdrew the proposal to close Pickens K-12. The Board of Education had previously voted to close two other schools, Harman K-12 School and North Elementary, as part of ongoing measures to address district-wide budget concerns.
As part of its efforts to restructure and secure better financial health, the Randolph County Schools district was placed under a State of Emergency by the West Virginia Department of Education in June. The district is currently on probation for a period of six months. If substantial budget progress is not demonstrated by December, a state takeover of the district could occur.
The upcoming schedule also includes another public hearing and vote related to the potential closure of Coalton Elementary and Midland Elementary, which is planned for October 28 at Elkins High School. Anticipation surrounds these events as district officials continue to navigate the challenging financial landscape.
In light of the recent developments, the next regular meeting of the Randolph County Board of Education is scheduled for October 21, at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Office. During this meeting, officials may provide further insights regarding the funding information and strategies surrounding the future of the affected schools.
As the situation progresses, the community remains hopeful for a solution that will enable Pickens K-12 School to maintain operations and continue serving its students, while also providing a sense of stability during a time of uncertainty.
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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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