Associated Press Published

Boone Schools To Remain Open Amid Plans To Shut Them Down

Boone County Schools Vote

Three schools in Boone County will remain open next year following plans to close them.

The county Board of Education voted Monday night to keep Van Elementary School, Van High School and Whitesville Elementary School open during the 2017-18 school year.

The school district has been dealing with financial problems and possible school closures after losing millions of dollars because of the downturn in the coal industry and a loss of property tax value.

Superintendent Jeff Huffman tells WSAZ-TV that while the closures could still happen, school leaders want to give the county’s economy time to stabilize and create a plan to move forward hopefully without moving students or closing schools.