Malden Elementary School, seen here on Sept. 4, 2024, has been targeted for closure in a 5-0 vote by the Kanawha County Board of Education.
Gazette-Mail file photo
The Kanawha County School Board voted 5-0 Monday night at Riverside High School to close Malden Elementary School, marking the fifth school closure decision this month.
Only two people spoke at the meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes, according to Briana Warner, a spokeswoman for Kanawha County Schools.
This vote is the fifth of six meetings to address the potential closure or consolidation of several elementary and middle schools throughout the county, with the goal of streamlining resources and addressing declining enrollment.
Students from Malden Elementary will join students at Mary Ingles and Belle Elementary to form a new school. If approved, Midland Trail Elementary also could be consolidated into the new school, which is planned to be built on the former Dupont Junior High School site in Dupont City.
The board is expected to cast its final vote on this proposal at Tuesday's meeting.
Last month, the school board applied for funding from the West Virginia School Building Authority to support the consolidation project. If the request is approved, construction could begin soon, with existing buildings closing — and the new school expected to open — for the 2028-29 school year.
Only one consolidation hearing remains as the board prepares to vote on the potential closure of one more school. Public comments will be heard before votes are cast at that meeting. The board will vote immediately afterward.
Upcoming Meetings
Nov. 4: Board of Education special session, 4 p.m., Kanawha Board of Education building
