WV Board of Education places Roane County Schools under a State of Emergency, Hardesty elected board president

By Autumn Shelton, RealWV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Citing declining enrollment as well as a significant budget deficit, the West Virginia Board of Education on July 9 announced that Roane County Schools will be placed under a State of Emergency. 

According to Alexandra Criner, director of the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Office of Accountability, the state first became involved in Roane County Schools after an error in budgeting caused the county to spend $600,000 more on special education than originally planned. After the state’s involvement, the Office of Finance discovered that the county also has a 45% building utilization rate, failed to approve a consolidation plan and went over budget on construction of the new Spencer Middle School. 

“That really critically impacted the financial position of the school system,” Criner said of the new school’s construction. “And there may have been purchases, we are still looking into some of the purchasing for the furnishings of that school in excess of $1 million, that were made without board approval.” 

Criner said that the school system faces a potential $2.5 million deficit for fiscal year 2025. 

Despite a $402,000 school aid formula funding advancement from the state to cover immediate expenses back in March, the county requested another $397,000 in July to make their payroll on July 14, Criner added.

After Criner explained the current situation in Roane County Schools, Board Member Debra Sullivan said that her understanding of the number one factor contributing to county school funding deficits is the loss of student enrollment. 

“We’re seeing that across the state,” Sullivan said. “And, so, I can imagine that between Hope Scholarships and charter schools that it must be exceedingly difficult for counties to project what their enrollment is going to be.” 

Sullivan said that Roane County Schools had a loss of 58 enrolled students last year from the prior year and has a total of 90 students who are receiving the Hope Scholarship. 

“Had those students attended Roane County Schools, the county would have received $720,000,” Sullivan added. “What a remarkable boost that would have been to their situation.” 

Sullivan also added that the county has 16 students enrolled in charter schools. Fourteen of those students are enrolled in a virtual charter school. 

Board Member Paul Hardesty noted that there have been no checks and balances in Roane County, which he said he finds disturbing. 

“Either someone was led astray either intentionally, not-intentionally, that’s not for me to decide,” Hardesty said, before adding that a 45% building utilization rate cannot work and the county must find a way to cut the seven professional positions that result in the county being over the funding formula. 

“It will be painful, but you’re gonna have to address that,” Hardesty said. 

“We’ve probably got 10, 12 counties in this state that’s got problems in a big way regarding how they run their school system,” Hardesty continued. “We can’t take over everybody. We don’t want to do that, but you’ve got to do your job . . . make tough decisions . . . it’s gotta be for the children. Focus on the children and the taxpayer.” 

Michelle Stellato, newly announced superintendent for Roane County Schools, said that she is grateful for the support of the state Board of Education. 

“We are in a dire position in Roane County, but what I want to make everyone aware of is that we are going in with eyes wide open,” Stellato said. “I have an amazing staff that is willing to do the work. We understand that it’s going to be very unpopular. We understand that we are going to have to make very difficult decisions, but we too will make those decisions with the lens of what’s best for the children and what’s best for the county as a whole.” 

The Board directed the superintendent to work with the WVDE to develop a comprehensive plan to identify deficiencies within 60 days. A progress report will be due at the Board’s August meeting. 

Hardesty elected as Board President

Additionally, during their July meeting, the West Virginia Board of Education elected L. Paul Hardesty to serve as president after Nancy J. White announced that she would not be seeking re-election to this position. White was, however, elected as the financial officer, Victor Gabriel was re-elected vice-president and F. Scott Rotruck was re-elected secretary. 

The complete Roane County Schools Finance Review can be read here: