This week, the Randolph County Board of Education (BOE) is conducting Reduction in Force (RIF) and transfer hearings to address potential staff reductions necessary to balance the district’s budget for the upcoming school year. These hearings allow affected employees to respond to proposed employment terminations or transfers.
A Reduction in Force (RIF) occurs when a school district must eliminate positions due to budget constraints, declining enrollment, or other financial challenges. Transfer hearings involve reassigning employees to different positions or locations within the district. Both RIFs and Transfer processes are governed by West Virginia state laws and policies designed to ensure fairness and transparency. These hearings are part of the district’s efforts to address a budget shortfall exceeding $2 million. Earlier this year, the BOE decided against closing Harman School and withdrew a proposal to close Pickens School, leading to the need for alternative cost-saving measures, including staff reductions.
The RIF and Transfer Process in West Virginia
Notification: By April 1, superintendents must notify employees considered for transfer or termination. This notice, sent via certified mail, should include reasons for the proposed action, allowing employees time to prepare a response. WVU Transformation | Home+4West Virginia Code+4wv.aft.org
Requesting a Hearing: Employees have the right to request a hearing before the BOE to contest the proposed action. Upon receiving the initial notice, an employee can request a detailed statement of reasons for the proposed transfer or termination. The superintendent must provide this statement within ten days. After receiving the reasons, the employee has another ten days
to demand a hearing. West Virginia Code
Conducting the Hearing: Hearings must occur on or before May 1. During the hearing, the superintendent presents reasons for the proposed action. Employees can be represented by counsel, question the administration, present witnesses, and testify on their own behalf. West Virginia Code+2wvea.org+2wv.aft.org
BOE Decision: Following the hearing, the BOE votes on whether to proceed with the proposed transfer or termination. Employees are notified in writing of the board’s decision within ten days of the meeting. West Virginia Code
Appeal Rights: Employees who believe they have been wrongfully terminated or transferred can contest the decision through the grievance procedure outlined in West Virginia law.
This week, the Randolph County BOE is holding hearings for several employees facing potential termination or transfer. Positions affected include teachers across various subjects and schools, as we
ll as service personnel. For instance, Debra Berdine, a Business Education teacher at Elkins Middle School, is slated for termination, while Tina Cooper, an Options Pathway teacher at the Randolph Technical Center, is slated to be transferred.
RIF and transfer hearings are critical components of the process to ensure that employment decisions are made transparently and fairly, especially during challenging financial times. They provide a platform for employees to understand the reasons behind proposed actions and to present their cases before the Board of Education.
As news of the potential staff cuts and transfers spread, students across Randolph County rallied together before and during the meeting to show their support for their teachers and the programs they value. In the days leading up to the hearings, students took to social media, urging their peers to attend the meetings and make sure their voices were heard.
For a visual overview of the RIF hearings, you can watch the video attached to this article.
