Calhoun County has a 2001 estimated population of 7,392, down from the 2000 census of 7,582. The county is 281 square miles, with all rural, narrow, winding roads.

During the 1990's a fierce battle ensued over school consolidation, with Calhoun citizens voting against the issue. Thereafter the West Virginia School Building Authority stepped-in, making the decision for the citizens. The county had 4 elementary schools (K-7) and 1 high school (8-12.)

The 1998-99 school year resumed with students attending 2 elementary schools, both K-4. Students in grades 5-12 now attending the newly constructed Calhoun-Middle High School complex.

Elementary students 5-7 are bussed to the middle-high school, increasing daily travel time, and exceeding state guidelines.

Student enrollment for 2002-2003 was 1,383, enrollment declined to 1,216 for the 2003-2004 school year.

When the new Calhoun Middle-High School opened in 1998-99 the enrollment was 945 students. The current enrollment at CMHS is 728 - a decrease of 217 students.

Calhoun Middle-High School is expected to graduate 104 students in 2004, with only 79 students entering the school's fifth grade in the fall of 2004.

Loss of students means loss of funding. Loss of funding means loss of professional people to deliver mandated programs and service.

The Calhoun County Board of Education will be facing the elimination of more teachers and service personnel. The bottom line is our students lose. Hit particularly hard are rural counties, where the funding formula is taking a major toll in providing mandated services under "No Child Left Behind,"which proclaims an excellent education for all children, while not providing the funds to deliver it.