ELKINS — Elkins Middle School operated on remote learning Monday due to a staff shortage, officials said.

At about 6 a.m., the following was posted to social media by Randolph County Schools:

“Attention Elkins Middle School Families — Due to a staff shortage, EMS will operate on a remote learning day/non instructional learning day (NTID) on Monday, April 21, 2025.

“Students will not report. Staff will report on a regular schedule and will be available on Google Meet during regular class times for students. An automated call is going out now. Thank you.

“All other schools will operate on a normal schedule.”

After 1 p.m. Monday, Randolph County Schools posted the following on social media:

“Randolph County Schools would like to address recent speculation and clarify the reason for today’s Non-Traditional Instructional Day (NTID) at Elkins Middle School (EMS).

“Contrary to online reports, the decision to call an NTID was not due to a teacher shortage. A contingency plan had been developed to address a previously identified limitation in food service staffing. However, as of 4:30 a.m. this morning, we were informed that all cooks assigned to EMS had called off, making it impossible to ensure meal service for students.

“Given the timing and extent of the staffing issue, the district could not implement an alternative plan on such short notice that would safely and effectively meet student needs. As a result, the NTID was enacted solely to ensure student well-being.

“We value transparency and take our responsibility to communicate accurate information seriously. We thank our families and community members for their understanding and continued support as we navigate public education’s complex challenges.

“Respectfully, Shawn Dilly, Superintendent.”

Tonight at the Elkins High School theater, the Randolph County Board of Education is planning to vote on Superintendent Dr. Shawn Dilly’s RIF (reduction in force) recommendations, including some for EMS teachers.

On March 27, at the conclusion of four nights of hearings, the BOE tabled the vote on the RIF recommendations last month. The BOE tabled the vote in order to wait and see if there was more solid information on funding from federal and state governments.

Since then, all of the county’s bus drivers have been placed on the RIF transfer list. There will be bus hearings for all of the county’s bus drivers before this evening’s vote.

Tonight’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.