BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Raleigh County Board of Education approved a sweeping list of employee reductions, transfers, and terminations Tuesday night following Superintendent Dr. Serena Starcher’s recommendations, citing budget shortfalls tied to declining student enrollment.
The board’s action affects educators and staff across all levels of the school system, from bus drivers and aides to classroom teachers and counselors.
Dozens of employees are being either reassigned to uncertain placements or placed on a preferred recall list due to a reduction in force (RIF), including many veteran teachers, counselors, and career and technical instructors.
“Student enrollment, funding and needs of school districts change from year to year,” said Superintendent Dr. Starcher. “Given the number of vacancies we currently have in Raleigh County Schools and although their position could be different from the position they currently hold, most affected employees can/will be employed.”
Elementary and secondary school counselors are among the hardest hit.
Ten counselors have been recommended for termination and placement on the recall list, while at least a dozen more are being transferred with no current assignment.
Four elementary counselors initially slated for termination or transfer were removed from the superintendent’s recommendations following an over one hour long executive session Tuesday evening.
More than 60 teachers—spanning elementary, secondary, special education, and vocational education—were also recommended for either transfer to “Not Placed” status or termination due to workforce reductions.
The elementary teacher recommendations were voted on separately from all other recommendations with them being approved on a 3-2 vote.
At the Academy of Careers and Technology, nearly all vocational programs were impacted. Teachers and department heads for CDL training, LPN, cosmetology, plumbing, HVAC, and more are among those whose contracts will not be renewed for the 2025–2026 school year.
Employees transferred without current placements are left in limbo, dependent on future openings or shifting district needs. Though they remain employed, they do not yet know where—or if—they will be assigned come fall.
Several community members, students, and current staff members spoke during the board’s public comment period, urging the district to consider the long-term impact of these cuts on student well-being and academic success.
All other recommendations were approved by the board on a 5-0 vote.
The specific recommendations may be viewed here.
