Lanham

ELKINS — With school consolidation most likely a big part of Randolph County Schools’ future, local residents continue to speak out against changes that could possibly affect their respective schools.

During the public comment section of last week’s Board of Education meeting, residents from both Harman and Mill Creek voiced their opinions about consolidation.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shawn Dilly told the Board of Education at the meeting that a decision on his new plan needed to be made sooner than later, with hearing dates needing to be set.

Dilly’s new plan would include moving students from Harman and Pickens middle/high schools to Buckhannon-Upshur and Elkins in 2027-28. It would also include the eventual consolidation of Tygarts Valley High School to Elkins, but not for several years, Dilly said.

Dave Armentrout, a teacher at Harman School, offered comments about the proposed consolidation during the meeting.

“Having served 28 years in public education, these comments tonight are strictly my own,” Armentrout said. “The Board of Education was initially presented with the option of closing Harman and Pickens schools, and four or you opposed this recommendation. 

“Now the same unfinished mission to close Harman School is being regurgitated once again, but with additional school closures being added to the list, where promises and politics will surely avail with the campus-themed proposal.”

Armentrout said the new proposal is the same plan that the BOE voted down in January to protect the safety of children.

“Members of the board, you sat here in the positions you hold tonight because the public trusted and elected you to listen to our concerns, in which you have already acted accordingly,” Armentrout said. “But it appears that you are not being supported in your efforts and decisions that you are making for this county. Other than closing schools, you are not being offered any other suggestions to alleviate this financial shortfall.”

Armentrout said Harman is not one of the schools in the county that need updates and repairs.

“A building renovation and update was completed on Harman School in 2016, and additional upgrades have followed,” Armentrout said. “I have one other serious option to present to the board to consider and that is to maintain Harman School as a current educational facility. One that is future ready and continues to educate our students and any other wanting to attend. We have the capacity to do so and all of our programs and positions that have been taken away from us can be reinstated…

“Randolph County Schools will gain nothing if our outlying schools are closed, simply because our students will pursue other alternatives to learning, and this county will lose thousands of dollars that is earmarked for each child meeting enrollment guidelines.”

Tygarts Valley High School graduate Bridget Lanham spoke to the BOE about the potential of her former school closing its doors.

“I’m encouraging you to vote now for a plan of action to save our school,” Lanham said. “I urge you to vote with your heart and conscience to do what is right for all the children in the county.”

Lanham told the BOE that focusing solely on the consolidation of schools does not serve the county well, and having just one high school would be detrimental to the county’s children. She showed numerous photos of former TVHS graduates who are now excelling around the country, including a cardiologist, an emergency room doctor, a pharmacist, a dentist, an attorney, an engineer, a software architect, and the CEOs of companies. 

“Tygarts Valley High School is where small seeds grow big dreams,” Lanham said. “It takes a valley to raise a child and our little country school has a big legacy. Tucked away in a close-knit community, Tygarts Valley has shaped some of the strongest, kindest and most resilient people you will ever meet.”