Latest news with #ElkinsHighSchool
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Teachers stuck in limbo after Randolph County RIF hearings
ELKINS, (WBOY) — Transfers, terminations and consolidations are all under consideration in Randolph County after Reduction in Force (RIF) hearings wrapped up Thursday night. For now, dozens of school employees still don't know their fate, and the waiting may be the hardest part. Even as they awaited the results of their hearings, Randolph County teachers continued to grade their students' assignments Thursday night as they sat in the auditorium at Elkins High School. 'Even if this transfer goes through, I will not accept it because third ward is where I belong. I moved here from Virginia with no blood relatives, and I took a pay decrease to go here, but this is where I wanted to go,' First-grade teacher Tina Wulin said. Superintendent Shawn Dilly told 12 News that the long wait between now and the vote stems from a need for the board to know for certain what kind of state and federal grant funding it will receive before having to go through with terminations or transfers, and possibly having to rescind those choices if funding comes at a later date. If funding comes before the proposed April 22 meeting, the board will vote earlier. However, even if funding comes through and the budget is balanced—with help from this year's carryover funds, which cannot be calculated until the end of the year—Dilly said that this can only be done this year, and it's not financially sustainable for the county. However, employees like Wulin will have to wait longer to know where they stand, as the board announced late Thursday night that it would postpone its vote on the proposed terminations and transfers until as late as April 22, about a week before the deadline the county has to submit all final personnel information. West Virginia bill would allow state to consolidate county school districts Dilly said that consolidation, an issue which seemed to be put to bed in January, is back on the table, with talks to take place as early as May. 'But, I really think it's important that we start having that discussion because Randolph County cannot survive without consolidation in its future,' Dilly said. Harman and Pickens schools, which were just spared the fate of consolidation, could be facing it again, in addition to one or two other schools. If the county takes that route, the consolidations would go into effect in the 2026-2027 school year. And it's not just adults being affected by these plans. On Friday, 12 News received a press release from the Elkins High School Student Government Association and the Tygarts Valley High School Key Club, with students petitioning for their voices to be heard as the board makes its decisions. 'As student representatives for our schools, we insist on a Town Hall meeting in Randolph County in April after the West Virginia legislature session and during the U.S Congress recess. This meeting would provide the opportunity for our students and community to engage with you about the impacts of funding on our schools and other community services like Social Security, Medicare, veterans programs, USDA initiatives, and other federal and state programs that are essential to our county,' the release said. The release said that the students want to 'foster a positive civil engagement' through the town hall to ensure that the community is informed and its voice is heard. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Reduction in Force hearings begin for Randolph County Schools
ELKINS, (WBOY) — Reduction in Force or 'RIF' hearings began Monday in the Randolph County school system as administrators and the board work to balance the projected $2.9 million deficit in its budget. According to agendas published on the Board of Education's website, Monday night's hearing focused on the proposed termination of the county transportation coordinator and eight teachers at Elkins Middle School and Elkins High School. Before the hearings began Monday night, Randolph County Superintendent Shawn Dilly affirmed to the board and those in attendance that the proposed reductions come under threat of a potential state intervention. He said that if the school district continues to operate under a deficit, the West Virginia Board of Education could open up a Special Circumstance Review on the district which could lead to the state taking it over. This would be similar to the situations seen in Upshur County in 2023 and Mingo County earlier this month. 'I want to be absolutely clear. These decisions are not a reflection of the merit, dedication or impact of the individuals affected. We are fortunate to have talented and committed staff who work tirelessly for the students of this county. Their contributions are valued and appreciated and I understand these reductions will be difficult. However, this process is not about whether a person or program is deserving. It is about the financial reality we must confront,' Dilly said. Dilly said that the proposed reductions would result in an estimated $2.1 million in savings toward the $2.9 million deficit projected for the next fiscal year. He later added that unfunded mandates passed by the West Virginia Legislature could result in the deficit growing to as much as $3.4 million. US Navy's Strike Group lands at University High School hoping to light a spark in students A second night of hearings is scheduled for Tuesday, where the board will consider the termination of four school counselors and six teachers at various schools throughout the county. The total number of proposed job cuts has not been finalized, but early estimates suggest about 32 positions. The proposed cuts came up after the Board of Education opted to not close Harman and Pickens schools earlier this year. The hearings took place at Elkins High School and are scheduled to continue through Thursday when the board will vote on all of the positions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Yahoo
Missouri City Amber Alert: Authorities searching for missing 15-year-old last seen on Wednesday afternoon
The Brief A local Amber Alert has been issued for 15-year-old Serenity Turner-Douglas. Serenity was last seen in Missouri City around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Authorities are also searching for 31-year-old Megan LeCour in connection with Serenity's disappearance. HOUSTON - An Amber Alert has been issued for a 15-year-old last seen in Missouri City on Wednesday afternoon. What we know Authorities are searching for 15-year-old Serenity Turner-Douglas. She is described as a Black female, 5'2" tall, 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen at 7007 Knights Court in Missouri City at 3:34 p.m. on Wednesday. She was last seen wearing a grey jacket, black pants, black shoes, and carrying a pink or rainbow backpack. Authorities are also searching for 31-year-old Megan LeCour in connection with Serenity's disappearance. LeCour is described as a Black female, 5'3" tall, 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The backstory According to the Missouri City Police Department, a reportee stated she was contacted by a Fort Bend Independent School District bus driver advising her that her daughter did not get on the school bus. The reportee then contacted Elkins High School, where the child was enrolled to verify the information. Fort Bend ISD police checked surveillance video and saw Serenity leaving school in the afternoon hours getting into a silver SUV. What you can do If you have seen either of these people, contact the Missouri City Police Department at (281) 403-5832. The Source Information provided by Texas DPS news release.
