Logan County, West Virginia – The Logan County Board of Education, acting through State Superintendent Blatt, approved the closure of Hugh Dingess Elementary School and Justice Elementary School effective at the conclusion of the 2026‑27 academic year. The decision was announced by West Virginia Department of Education Assistant Superintendent Amon Gilliam and echoed the recommendation of Logan County Superintendent Sonya White.
Reasons for the closures
Superintendent White cited two primary factors driving the closures. First, Hugh Dingess Elementary has experienced a long‑term decline in student enrollment, a trend that has strained the district’s ability to maintain efficient class sizes and program offerings. Second, the physical condition of the Hugh Dingess facility requires millions of dollars to bring it up to current safety and building standards. With limited capital resources, the board determined that allocating funds to extensive renovations would not be a prudent use of taxpayer dollars.
Student reassignment plans
Students currently attending Hugh Dingess Elementary will be transferred to Chapmanville Primary and Intermediate schools. White emphasized that the consolidation will give those students access to a broader range of instructional supports, specialist services, and certified staff, while ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. Both Chapmanville schools have the capacity to accommodate the additional enrollment without compromising educational quality.
Children enrolled at Justice Elementary will be reassigned to Logan Elementary School. The move is intended to maintain continuity of instruction for those students while consolidating resources within the county’s existing school infrastructure.
Temporary restraining order affects other decisions
Superintendent White also noted that a temporary restraining order currently blocks the closure of South Man Elementary. Because of that legal action, she is withdrawing her recommendation to close South Man at this time, pending further review.
Community response and next steps
Local parents and community members have expressed concern over the loss of neighborhood schools, emphasizing the importance of schools as community hubs. However, White and board members stressed that the closures are necessary to preserve fiscal responsibility and to prioritize student safety across the district.
The board will continue to monitor enrollment trends and facility conditions throughout the remainder of the 2026‑27 school year. Additional public meetings are planned to keep residents informed about the transition process and to address any questions regarding transportation, staffing, and the impact on extracurricular programs.
What this means for Logan County families
Families affected by the closures can expect transportation routes to be adjusted to serve the new school assignments. The district has pledged to provide clear communication about bus schedules, start times, and any changes to after‑school activities. Parents are encouraged to contact the Logan County Board of Education for specific details related to their child’s new school placement.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
