CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - For Justin Shears, sending his three kids to his alma mater, Geary Elementary/Middle School in Roane County, was a dream.

“I retired this past year and wanted to bring my kids back so they could experience the same thing that I had, and within a year, they are shutting down the schools,” Shears said.

It was standing room only at Wednesday’s West Virginia Board of Education meeting as they approved the closure and consolidation of schools in Logan and Roane counties.

One parent was left devastated.

“It’s sad,” Shears said. “I think its sad for the entire state that we continue to make these decisions across our rural counties.”

First up, Verdunville Elementary in Logan County will be closed and consolidated with Omar Elementary, with just one member opposing.

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