School Funding Formula Blamed for Consolidation Plan
The Randolph County Board of Education is making difficult consolidation decisions due to a loss of students and corresponding loss of money, according to Superintendent Shawn Dilly.
The state funding formula is playing a big part in the consolidation plan, as the shrinking pool of dollars caused by falling enrollment of nearly 700 students has forced the board to close schools.
- Harman K-12 will be closed and consolidated into Jennings Randolph Elementary, Elkins Middle, and Elkins High schools.
- North Elementary will be closed and consolidated into Jennings Randolph Elementary.
The changes will take effect in the 2026-2027 academic year.
“That’s basically a middle school that we’ve lost,” Dilly said. “And we continue to try to operate, maintain, and support all of the facilities and schools, but the funding formula does not support continuing on that path.
Author's summary: Consolidation plan due to funding formula issues.