State education officials have signed off on a request from the Wayne County Board of Education to close two elementary schools.
The West Virginia Board of Education approved the shutdown of Dunlow and Genoa Elementary on Wednesday, according to the board’s agenda.
Under the plan, roughly 100 students will transition to Crum Pre K-8, East Lynn Elementary and Wayne Elementary beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
The Wayne County Board of Education also requested a waiver to establish bus routes that exceed the state’s recommended transportation run times.
County officials approved the closures locally after holding multiple public hearings. They said declining enrollment has pushed the schools below state utilization standards.
Rising operational costs have also strained the district’s finances, with its fund balance dropping below the state’s recommended $5 million emergency reserve.
State officials noted that Wayne County is not alone in facing these challenges. The West Virginia Board of Education has urged lawmakers to revise the state’s school funding formula, which is based on enrollment numbers.
Researchers have determined that the current formula does not adequately address the needs of low-income and disabled students.
Lawmakers have also received warnings about expanding the HOPE Scholarship, a voucher program that could worsen funding issues and cost the state more than $100 million each year.