Randolph County Schools Seeks Public Input on Potential Consolidation
ELKINS – Randolph county Schools is actively soliciting feedback from residents through an online survey regarding a potential consolidation of schools within the county. The survey, now available on the school system’s official website, aims to gather community perspectives on the feasibility and potential impacts of such a restructuring.
The move to consider consolidation stems from ongoing discussions about declining student enrollment and budgetary constraints facing the district. randolph County Schools currently operates seven schools: Beverly Elementary School, Coalton Elementary School, Elkins Middle School, Harman Elementary School, Highland Park Middle School, Tygarts Valley Middle/High School, and Elkins High School. Enrollment figures for the 2023-2024 school year totaled 2,785 students,a decrease of approximately 15% over the past decade.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Gabriel Rubio, emphasized the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process.”We want to ensure that any potential changes are made with the best interests of our students and the community in mind,” Dr. Rubio stated. “The survey is a crucial step in understanding the concerns and priorities of our stakeholders.”
The survey includes questions about preferred school configurations, transportation concerns, and the potential impact on extracurricular activities.It also asks residents to share any additional comments or suggestions they may have.The deadline for completing the survey is August 31, 2025.
Preliminary discussions have centered on the possibility of consolidating elementary schools, potentially creating regional hubs to maximize resources and offer a wider range of programs. However, school officials have stressed that no decisions have been made and that all options are being considered. A public forum is scheduled for September 15, 2025, at the Randolph County Community Center to further discuss the issue and address community questions.
