POCAHONTAS COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Multiple students at Pocahontas County High School (PCHS) have walked out of class to protest proposed budget cuts and the potential loss of STEM classes.
The walkout began on Monday when multiple students with homemade signs walked out of PCHS to protest the potential elimination of STEM classes and some of their teachers who may have their jobs eliminated as a result.
Sources tell LOOTPRESS that on Thursday, March 14, 2024, two of the STEM teachers at PCHS were handed RIFs (Reduction in Force Notices) and the third STEM position (unfilled) at the high school was cut.
The cuts have taken the staff, student body, and community by surprise.
Sources tell us that two more RIFS have been since announced, a total of five positions possibly being eliminated at PCHS.
Students worry that this will result in the elimination of college prep, honors, and AP classes as well as engineering courses, anatomy, and medical classes.
The students participating in the walkout say they want the classes to remain and for the board of education to explain the proposed budget cuts and why there wasn’t more public input.
Multiple students also walked out of class on Tuesday.
Sources tell LOOTPRESS that protesting students who are refusing to return to class are being given in-school and out-of-school suspension.
It is estimated that nearly 150 students have walked out.
LOOTPRESS has reached out to PCHS and the Pocahontas County Board of Education for confirmation.
The Pocahontas County Board of Education is set to meet this evening at Green Bank Elementary/Middle School at 4:15 PM.
This is a developing story. Stick with LOOTPRESS for the latest.