Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
As most West Virginia counties are dealing with population loss leading to school closures and consolidations, Clay County Schools are working to stay ahead of trends to help students thrive.
After serving the community for more than a century, Clay County Middle School is expected to join the growing list of public schools closing across the state.
About one in five people who live in Clay County either work at or attend the public schools there.
"It's a pillar. It absolutely is and it's the largest employer in Clay County," Clay County Schools Superintendent Phil Dobbins said. "People are leaving Clay County. The flood of 2016 destroyed a lot of homes. People left didn't come back. There are not a lot of economic opportunities.”
Despite those challenges, the district is improving by almost every metric.
"The last three years we've seen an increase in attendance," Dobbins said. "For the 2025-26 school year countywide, we had a 93.33% attendance which is pretty high."
The school system ranks 16th out of West Virginia's 55 counties for English and language arts and 19th for overall performance.
"We have what it takes here in Clay County to graduate not only a college-bound student which we do each and every year but also graduate someone to go straight into the workforce," Dobbins said.
Not only do Clay County students perform at a high level across traditional curriculum, career and technical education programs offer ample opportunities for secondary students.
Programs in agriculture, business, carpentry, masonry, welding, emergency services and an entire electrical department help develop skills sets and launch careers.
When Clay County Middle School closes, more students will have early access to those technical programs.
"Students in seventh and eighth grades will be introduced to CTE courses," Dobbins said. "They will travel during class time to the CTE department to see each class and what each program is about."
As 1,300 students and more than 200 staff members return to the school district this week, Dobbins provided advice for new teachers.
"Always overprepare for each and every class. Make sure that you have your supplies ready," he said. "Be prepared and structured. Students like structure. They're just like us. They like to know what to expect day in and day out. Establish a routine for students each and every day.”
FULL STORY: wchstv.com/news/local/clay-county-schools-overcoming-challenges-to-prepare-students-for-college-and-workforce
_________________________________________
Follow WCHS on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/eyewitnessnewscharleston
Twitter: twitter.com/wchs8fox11
Instagram: instagram.com/wchs8fox11
For the latest local and national news, visit our website: wchstv.com
Sign up for our newsletter: wchstv.com/sign-up
As most West Virginia counties are dealing with population loss leading to school closures and consolidations, Clay County Schools are working to stay ahead of trends to help students thrive.
After serving the community for more than a century, Clay County Middle School is expected to join the growing list of public schools closing across the state.
About one in five people who live in Clay County either work at or attend the public schools there.
"It's a pillar. It absolutely is and it's the largest employer in Clay County," Clay County Schools Superintendent Phil Dobbins said. "People are leaving Clay County. The flood of 2016 destroyed a lot of homes. People left didn't come back. There are not a lot of economic opportunities.”
Despite those challenges, the district is improving by almost every metric.
"The last three years we've seen an increase in attendance," Dobbins said. "For the 2025-26 school year countywide, we had a 93.33% attendance which is pretty high."
The school system ranks 16th out of West Virginia's 55 counties for English and language arts and 19th for overall performance.
"We have what it takes here in Clay County to graduate not only a college-bound student which we do each and every year but also graduate someone to go straight into the workforce," Dobbins said.
Not only do Clay County students perform at a high level across traditional curriculum, career and technical education programs offer ample opportunities for secondary students.
Programs in agriculture, business, carpentry, masonry, welding, emergency services and an entire electrical department help develop skills sets and launch careers.
When Clay County Middle School closes, more students will have early access to those technical programs.
"Students in seventh and eighth grades will be introduced to CTE courses," Dobbins said. "They will travel during class time to the CTE department to see each class and what each program is about."
As 1,300 students and more than 200 staff members return to the school district this week, Dobbins provided advice for new teachers.
"Always overprepare for each and every class. Make sure that you have your supplies ready," he said. "Be prepared and structured. Students like structure. They're just like us. They like to know what to expect day in and day out. Establish a routine for students each and every day.”
FULL STORY: wchstv.com/news/local/clay-county-schools-overcoming-challenges-to-prepare-students-for-college-and-workforce
_________________________________________
Follow WCHS on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/eyewitnessnewscharleston
Twitter: twitter.com/wchs8fox11
Instagram: instagram.com/wchs8fox11
For the latest local and national news, visit our website: wchstv.com
Sign up for our newsletter: wchstv.com/sign-up
