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Randolph County Schools warned it faces state watch list, may hold checks and cut activities
Summary
District finance staff told the board the district faces a fiscal deficit that could place it on the state's watch list as early as July 1, triggering weekly reporting and possible operational controls such as holding vendor checks; administrators urged immediate planning for cuts to extracurriculars and nonessential spending.
The Randolph County Schools Board heard a detailed financial briefing Tuesday that administration said could leave the district on the West Virginia Department of Education's watch list by July 1, triggering heightened reporting and closer state oversight.
Finance staff said the district is balancing two primary funds in the publication required by state code: fund 11 (general fund) and fund 61 (grants). They reported a negative budgetary reserve to reflect a shortfall and recommended the board consider cuts to county-funded athletics, field trips and other extracurricular activities while monitoring cash to avoid a zero balance.
Why it matters: being on the state watch list does not automatically transfer final spending authority to the state, officials said, but it does require more frequent financial reports and closer scrutiny of expenditures. Administration described operational steps they would take if the district is placed on the list, including holding checks for board review and batching payments for possible state review. That change could lengthen vendor payment cycles and complicate accounts-payable timing.
—Based on everything that I'm seeing and what I'm giving to my superiors, you're a candidate to be absolutely on July 1 under the watch list,— the district finance official told the board, adding the state had advised the district to prepare weekly and monthly reports while on the list.
Officials said personnel cuts are largely infeasible except through attrition; instead, they suggested administrators compile a short list of low-dollar or variable expenses that could be suspended in the near term. The finance briefing noted a potential federal-level aid source: Secure Rural Schools reauthorization could yield about $150,000, but that funding was not certain and likely would not be resolved until July.
At the close of the financial discussion the board approved the financial section by voice vote (recorded as 5-0), and staff said they would continue to coordinate with the state about reporting expectations. Finance staff also committed to sending the board the narrative responses they provide to state requests so members can see the questions being asked.
Next steps: administrators will prepare a short menu of proposed cuts and present them at the next meeting; if the district is placed on the state watch list, staff said they would implement the additional reporting and the temporary operational controls discussed.
