Enrollment falls below 2,000; district is over its state staffing formula
McDowell County Schools has lost about 1,111 students since 2016, a 36% drop.
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Friday, November 13, 2026
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Latest West Virginia stories
Special education falls short of a state compliance target
On September 1, 2026 the special education director reported 571 students with disabilities, about a quarter of students. The district scored 77.83 on the state's special education determination, short of the 80 needed, and 8.36% of students with disabilities are served at home (homebound) against a state target under 1.4%. The district also has 9 special education teaching vacancies.
Old school buildings given to the City of Welch and Town of Kimball
The board voted in January 2026 to convey the closed Welch Elementary School to the City of Welch, which plans a wellness center and agreed to pay legal fees. On August 18, 2026 the board voted 5-0 to convey the closed Kimball Elementary School to the Town of Kimball. The Kimball building needs major roof work (about $600,000 by one estimate).
New board members take office after May election
Three board members ended their terms in June 2026, and three newly elected members joined at the July 6, 2026 organizational meeting. The board elected new officers, set meetings for the first and third Tuesdays at 5 p.m., and set board pay at $260 per meeting.
About $1.5 million in outside consulting and therapy contracts approved
On June 25, 2026 the board approved 2026-27 contracts including Ashlock Consulting reading coaching ($193,560), Curriculum Associates i-Ready ($255,000), Sibme coaching ($246,330), Edwards Educational Services leadership coaching ($230,000) and Best Life Therapy related services ($600,000). Staff said the consulting contracts are paid with federal Title funds, not county money.
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