West Virginia’s State Board of Education approved school closings in Clay, Wood, Preston and Wetzel counties this week as declining enrollment continues to impact funding. Wetzel County residents packed a state school board meeting trying to block the closings of Paden City High School and Hundred High School, which only has 64 students, already approved by the county BOE. Many spoke against the closings, citing damage to local communities, their economies and the students along with a questionable approach, according to Eyewitness News. The Board of Education also approved closing two schools in Preston County, two in Wood County the closing of Clay County Middle School and consolidation into Clay Elementary, Big Otter Elementary and Clay County High School.