The West Virginia Board of Education has approved the shutdown of Dunlow and Genoa Elementary Schools in Wayne County. Eyewitness News said around 100 students will be reassigned to Crum Pre K-8, East Lynn Elementary and Wayne Elementary starting in the 2026-27 school year.
County leaders also received a waiver to run bus routes longer than the state’s recommended travel times. Declining enrollment has left the schools underused, while rising operational costs have strained the district’s finances, dropping its balance below the state’s recommended $5 million emergency reserve.
State leaders are urging lawmakers to revisit the school funding formula, which is based on enrollment.