Concerns grow as new wave of permanent school closures begins in southern West Virginia
Questions about the future of local schools and the state's education system continue to unfold across West Virginia, with school closures, state intervention and funding policies all drawing renewed attention.
Concerns grow as new wave of permanent school closures begins in southern West Virginia
Robert Fields | WVOW News
BECKLEY Another school closure debate is developing in Raleigh County. The next meeting of the Raleigh County Board of Education is July 28, when officials are expected to consider whether to consolidate Mabscott Elementary into other nearby schools.
Community members, lawmakers and school supporters have been organizing opposition to the proposal, and West Virginia Delegate Eric Brooks says he plans to attend the meeting and advocate on behalf of those hoping to keep the school open.
Beckley resident Misty Thomas took to social media last week urging Raleigh County Board of Education members to reconsider the possible closure.
"Mabscott Elementary currently provides a community-centered environment where staff know these children personally, understand their needs, and can respond quickly and appropriately. That level of connection cannot be easily or quickly replaced," she wrote.
News of the latest possible permanent school closure came just days after media outlets learned of plans in Mingo County to shut down Dingess Elementary School. Mingo County Schools District Communications Specialist Troy Alexander told WVOW News "The process just started and they are working on getting all the details together."
It remains unknown at this time where students of Dingess Elementary will go following the planned closure.
The West Virginia Democratic Party announced on social media that it is backing residents working to keep Dingess Grade School open. House candidate Tara Sexton argued that Republican legislative leaders have underfunded public education while expanding the HOPE Scholarship program, saying the shift in funding has made it more difficult for counties like Mingo to maintain neighborhood schools, retain teachers and provide educational opportunities.
Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin also praised Mingo County Democrats for standing with parents, educators and students and said the party will continue supporting communities fighting to keep local schools open.
At the state level, Governor Patrick Morrisey's administration says repeated state intervention in county school systems shows West Virginia's current education governance structure is in desperate need of reform. The comments follow the West Virginia Board of Education's partial intervention in Harrison County Schools.
Governor's Office Communications Director Lars Dalseide said recurring financial and operational problems, along with the end of temporary federal COVID-19 funding, have exposed weaknesses in the current system. Dalseide's comments align with statements made by West Virginia Board of Education President Paul Hardesty, who warned that declining enrollment and inadequate funding could force another wave of school closures across the state.
According to Hardesty, West Virginia has lost about 5,000 students since the last enrollment count, putting additional financial pressure on county school systems. He described the situation to MetroNews, saying, "the boat's getting ready to hit the rocks."
Hardesty warned some county school systems could face financial insolvency and suggested a court challenge may be needed if lawmakers fail to address the state's school funding formula.
He said reforms should focus on improving accountability, strengthening oversight, reviewing the state's school funding formula and ensuring taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly. Harrison County school officials are expected to meet with representatives from the West Virginia Department of Education this week to discuss the next steps in the intervention.
Logan County is among the counties that have undergone state intervention. Logan County Schools has been under a state takeover since October 2022.
PHOTO | Facebook, American Legislative Exchange Council, West Virginia Board of Education, Wikipedia
