Spencer, West Virginia, September 13, 2025
News Summary
The Roane County Board of Education has unanimously voted to move forward with a consolidation plan for Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools due to a budget deficit nearing $3 million. Although the schools will not close immediately, necessary legal steps are being initiated. The plan will merge K-5 students to Spencer Elementary School and grades 6-8 to Spencer Middle School by the end of the current school year, aiming to save the district approximately $1.45 million annually amidst growing community concerns about the impact on local cohesion and student welfare.
Spencer, West Virginia — The Roane County Board of Education has officially decided to move forward with a consolidation plan for Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools, primarily due to an alarming budget deficit of nearly $3 million. During a meeting on September 11, 2025, Superintendent Michelle Stellato provided an impact statement and relevant data, leading to a unanimous vote from the board to initiate the consolidation process.
The proposed plan does not entail the immediate closure of the schools but begins the necessary legal steps as outlined by West Virginia Code 18-5-13a. Under the consolidation plan, Geary and Walton schools are expected to close at the end of the current school year, resulting in K-5 students from these schools transitioning to Spencer Elementary School, while students in grades 6-8 will attend Spencer Middle School. Additionally, pre-K students will be pooled into the space currently occupied by the Office of Student Support Services at Roane County High School.
The consolidation is projected to save Roane County Schools approximately $1.45 million annually. However, the decision has sparked significant concern among local residents and officials regarding the effect of school closures on community cohesion and student welfare.
Public Engagement and Hearings
In an effort to engage the community, the board has scheduled five public hearings to gather input on the consolidation proposal before a final decision is rendered. Residents interested in speaking at the hearings must register 30 minutes prior to the start time. The schedule for the public hearings includes:
- October 30, 2025
- November 1, 2025
- November 5, 2025
- November 6, 2025
Notices about the public hearings will be displayed in schools and other community facilities for 30 days leading up to the first meeting. Additionally, written comments can be submitted to the superintendent’s office until noon on October 24, 2025. A board vote on the final proposal is set for November 6, 2025, with a potential weather-related postponement to November 7.
Background Context
The consolidation proposal comes in light of severe financial challenges faced by the Roane County Schools, which were officially declared a state of emergency by the West Virginia Board of Education in July 2025. Over the past decade, enrollment in Roane County has seen a troubling decline of 31%, translating to a loss of approximately 70 students each year. Currently, Geary and Walton schools are operating at less than 35% capacity, further emphasizing the need for consolidation.
While consolidation is a step toward addressing budget deficits, the local board of education also approved measures to explore potential revenue sources, such as a school levy, and additional budget cuts. Discussions surrounding a proposed $1.6 billion to $2.5 billion increase for West Virginia public schools have raised questions about resource allocation amidst ongoing school closure deliberations. A special committee has been formed to investigate school finances and suggest alternatives.
Summary
The decision to consolidate Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools marks a critical step in addressing the budget crisis faced by Roane County Schools. Community input, financial considerations, and student impact will be central to the ongoing discussion surrounding this plan.
FAQs
What is the reason for the proposed consolidation of Geary and Walton schools?
The consolidation is primarily driven by a budget deficit of nearly $3 million faced by Roane County Schools.
When will the schools potentially close?
The proposed plan suggests that Geary and Walton schools would close at the end of the current school year.
Where will students go after the consolidation?
K-5 students will attend Spencer Elementary School, and grades 6-8 will move to Spencer Middle School. Pre-K students will be accommodated at Roane County High School.
How much money is expected to be saved through consolidation?
The plan is anticipated to save Roane County Schools about $1.45 million annually.
When will the community hearings take place?
Public hearings are scheduled for October 30, November 1, November 5, and November 6, 2025.
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 HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
