Randolph County staff starts to receive RIF notices after failed consolidations

ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY) — Staff across Randolph County began receiving Reduction in Force (RIF) notices on Monday, as the county is desperately attempting to ensure that it can achieve a balanced budget after two proposed consolidations fell through in January.
Although RIF and transfer notices are typical this time of year, it did start later this year. Due to the uncertainty of federal and state funding, it is still the only time where these changes can be done, according to Randolph County Schools Superintendent, Shawn Dilly.
But this year is different with the threat of a state takeover if the budget is not balanced and not knowing what kind of federal and state grants will be received, if any.
'And with those uncertainties, we have to assume the worst case scenario and some case—in some situations and try to take actions on those and once we get confirmation. My hope is in the next few weeks, we'll have confirmations around some of these funding streams and therefore we can rescind those initial notices so that folks can be reassured that they have a position for next year,' Dilly said.
Although there was a delay in sending out RIF and transfer notices, Dilly said the goal is to assess all the final staffing needs after resignations and retirements that have already started to come in.
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No exact number of positions to be cut was given by Dilly, as he said he will be announcing that at a later point. However, he said that 'we will have quite a few, I don't want to give out the full number just yet but it's going to be pretty substantial this year.'
Previously, 12 News has reported on 32 positions being cut, and although that still remains the case, there are about 50 other federally or state-funded positions that may be cut if the county doesn't receive funding for them. However, there is a chance of that decision getting rescinded as well if funding comes through.
'This is one of those direct impacts of the uncertainty around the U.S. Department of Education,' Dilly said.
Dilly added that Randolph County Schools has tried to get some reassurances about the funding, nothing is set in stone yet. 'We also haven't seen those budgets and what that actual dollar amount will be, and so I can't assume that I'm going to have funding, for example, 13 Title I roles or not. We may only get half of that so I can't assume that until I actually have those numbers and then I can rescind the actions based on that particular outcome,' Dilly said.
Dilly also added in the meeting he's been in contact with state senator Robbie Morris and delegate Jonathan Kyle on recent bills presented in the state house and state senate during this year's legislative session, giving the representatives feedback on how certain bills could affect districts like Randolph.
'Like the Senate Bill 199 and the sort of equivalent house bill basically is an unfunded mandate for an ALC [Active Learning Classroom] program for elementary schools. I don't necessarily have the resources, because obviously with the situation we're currently in. And so part of what we want to try and make sure they're aware of is even though we're supportive of the bill we need some funding to come with it so that we can support those staffing requirements,' Dilly said.
During his presentation to the board, Dilly also broke down all the positions that are required by law across schools. As part of this, there are estimated to be cuts to nearly 20 central office positions—lower than some community members have claimed it to be. Some of these positions are also being looked at to cut.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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USA Today

a day ago

• USA Today

Former In-N-Out employee accuses burger chain of discriminatory firing for natural hair

A former In-N-Out employee is suing the West Coast burger chain for alleged discriminatory treatment and termination due to his natural hair. Elijah Obeng filed a lawsuit against In-N-Out, alleging he was discriminated against and fired based on his natural hairstyle and texture. Obeng claims he has suffered damages from the termination, including emotional distress, reputational harm and loss of employment, court documents state. He is seeking $3 million in damages and $200,000 in pay he would have earned since his firing or could have earned in the future. In-N-Out declined to comment to USA TODAY on June 18, citing ongoing litigation. Obeng and his lawyer did not immediately respond to request for comment. Lawsuit accuses In-N-Out of 'humiliating and discriminatory' action According to court documents, Obeng began working at an In-N-Out restaurant in June 2020 after graduating from high school. He continued to work for the chain until he was terminated in spring 2024. Obeng went to work with his natural hair, in accordance with In-N-Out's grooming and uniform policy, the lawsuit reads. When Obeng's hair got longer, he was instructed by management to cut or alter it to fit under the required uniform hat. In an effort to comply with the policy, Obeng began wearing his hair in braids. Management then told him, court documents state, that he needed to cut his sideburns, which Obeng found "humiliating and discriminatory." When he did not cut his sideburns, Obeng began experiencing different treatment. He was punished for minor policy violations, like not attending work meetings, which Obeng claims his colleagues did not face, the lawsuit reads. In-N-Out's grooming and uniform policy is not readily accessible online, but Indeed forums indicate that male workers must arrive to shifts clean-shaven, with no facial hair. On around May 25, 2024, Obeng clocked in for what would be his last shift at In-N-Out. Upon his arrival, management told him to go home, shave his sideburns and return, court documents state. Instead, Obeng left and texted his supervisor that he would return for his next shift. A few days later, Obeng was fired, which In-N-Out claimed was due to prior write-ups, according to court documents. Obeng, however, alleges that his termination was because of his "ancestry, color and race, including his natural hairstyle and hair texture." Former employee says In-N-Out violated CROWN Act In the lawsuit, Obeng says In-N-Out violated the CROWN Act, a law that prohibits employers from discrimination based on hairstyle and texture. Standing for "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair," the law was first passed in California in 2019 with the help of Dove, the CROWN Coalition and Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell. As of June 18, the CROWN Act is law in 27 states, according to The CROWN Act website. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@

Yahoo

2 days ago

• Yahoo

How to finance a mobile or manufactured home

Mobile homes, also known as manufactured homes, can be a cost-effective alternative to buying a traditional home. Due to their lower cost and rapid depreciation, most traditional mortgage lenders don't offer mobile home financing. FHA Title I and Title II loans, Freddie Mac loans, Fannie Mae loans and personal loans are some ways you can finance a mobile or manufactured home. With the median price of traditional homes exceeding $416,900 in the U.S., mobile homes, also called manufactured homes, can be more cost-effective while offering more flexibility. The average manufactured double-wide home costs approximately $145,200. That said, it may take more legwork to find a lender to help you finance the purchase of a mobile or manufactured home than a traditional home. That's because most mortgage lenders don't offer financing for these types of properties due to the lower sales price and high rate of depreciation. Still, there are some options available. Since traditional mortgages may not be a viable option for financing mobile homes, consider alternative types of loans. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each to find the solution that best meets your needs. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers mobile home loans through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan program. This includes Title I and Title II loans. A Title I manufactured home loan can be used in several ways, including to finance the purchase of a new or used manufactured home, refinance a manufactured home purchase, to buy the developed lot where you will locate this type of home and for a combination purchase of both the lot and the home itself. These funds can also be used to alter, repair or improve a manufactured home. Lenders can offer Title I mobile home loans even if the buyer doesn't own or isn't planning to purchase the land on which the manufactured home will stand. These homes will typically be placed in a manufactured home community or mobile home park. If the borrower doesn't own — or isn't buying — the land, they must provide a signed lease for a mobile home plot with an initial term of at least three years to qualify for a Title I loan. The amount you can borrow with a Title I loan depends on the width of the home and whether you plan to purchase a lot as well: Purchase type Maximum loan amount Single-wide home $105,532 Single-wide home with lot $148,909 Multi-width home $193,719 Multi-width home with lot $237,096 This loan program insures loans that borrowers can use to finance a qualifying manufactured home and lot. For example, you can only use a Title II loan if you plan to live in the manufactured home as your primary residence. Other requirements for the home include: Have a minimum floor area of 400 square feet Be constructed after June 15, 1976 Be classified as real estate, but not necessarily for state tax purposes Be built and remain on a permanent chassis The loan must cover the home and the land on which it stands Title II loans cannot be used for manufactured homes on leased land in manufactured home communities or mobile home parks. Down payments on a Title II loan can be as low as 3.5 percent, and terms can last up to 30 years. Some lenders offer mortgages backed by Fannie Mae through the Manufactured Housing (MH) Advantage program. The loans come with 30-year financing and down payments as low as 3 percent. As an added benefit, interest rates on MH Advantage mortgages tend to be lower than those of most traditional loans for manufactured homes. To qualify, you must satisfy several eligibility criteria, including installing a home with a driveway and a sidewalk that connects the driveway, carport or detached garage. The home must also meet certain construction, architectural design and energy efficiency standards similar to those of site-built homes. You may be able to obtain conventional financing for a manufactured home through the Freddie Mac Home Possible mortgage program. Down payments begin at just 3 percent, and in some cases, you can use gifted or grant money to help cover the upfront costs. Freddie Mac also offers manufactured home financing through their CHOICEHome Mortgage program. To qualify, homes must meet the same requirements as site-built homes and meet certain eligibility factors. Service members with eligible service histories may qualify for a loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA loans are intended to help military members become homeowners, and can be used to buy a manufactured or modular home and put it on land you already own, buy both the home and land simultaneously or refinance a home you plan to transport to land you own. Lenders can offer up to 100 percent financing on manufactured home loans, though you'll have to pay a one-time funding fee, which can be between 1.25 and 3.3 percent of the purchase price, depending on the size of your down payment and whether you've borrowed a VA loan before. You'll need an affidavit of affixture, which proves the property is attached to land you own and meets certain local and VA requirements. A chattel loan is a specialized type of personal property loan that can be used to purchase a mobile home. These loans are designed for financing expensive vehicles, such as planes, boats, mobile homes or farm equipment, where the property serves as collateral for the loan. Some lenders offer chattel loans for manufactured home purchases that are insured by the FHA, the VA or the Rural Housing Service (RHS) through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, the closing process for chattel loans is usually faster and less restrictive than what you would experience with a traditional mortgage. But chattel loans have disadvantages to be aware of. They typically have higher interest rates than traditional mortgages. Chattel loans also have shorter terms, which means their monthly payments will likely be higher than a conventional mortgage. Mobile homes are significantly cheaper than traditional homes, so you may be able to finance your purchase with a personal loan. Because personal loans are flexible, you can use them for almost any purpose — including buying a mobile home. However, personal loan interest rates tend to be higher than secured loans, such as mortgages or auto loans. The trade-off is that you don't have to provide any collateral — which means you won't lose your home if you default on a personal loan — and the application process tends to be shorter and involves less paperwork. Another important advantage of personal loans over mobile home mortgages is that they're typically inexpensive or free to originate, says Steve Sexton, CEO of Sexton Advisory Group. 'There's no costly title, escrow or appraisal fees. And the lender has zero interest in or control over your home, because the loan is not secured.' Personal loan lenders usually offer maximum loans of $25,000 to $50,000, though some lenders will let you borrow $100,000 or more. Your credit will need to be in good shape to qualify, and excellent credit personal loan rates can start around 6.6 percent. If you're wondering how to finance a mobile home, there are a few steps you should follow first. When you apply for any type of financing, a lender will consider your credit as part of your loan application. Clean credit histories and solid credit scores make it easier to secure loans with lower rates and better terms. Your bank or credit card issuer may offer free access to your credit score, or you can buy it via a third party. If you find mistakes when you check your credit reports, you can dispute them with the appropriate credit bureau — Experian, TransUnion or Equifax. The bureau will have up to 30 days to respond to you. You can request free copies of your credit reports at Why it's important The better your credit score and history, the lower your interest rate will be. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. When you're financing a mobile home, the stability of the asset being financed is important, Sexton says. If you own the land and your mobile home has had the axle and wheels removed, it's less likely that you'll pick up and move. This may make more lending institutions open to financing a mobile home. Why it's important If you plan to rent a plot for your home, you'll be eligible for fewer loans than if you plan to purchase the land the home will be placed on. The type of home you're considering will affect the loans you may be eligible to receive. For example, if you want to buy a double-wide manufactured home that costs $200,000 or more, you won't be eligible for an FHA loan. Older mobile homes may not qualify for certain types of financing at all. Why it's important All lenders have specific lending criteria based on the type and value of your home. Choose the type of loan you'll use and compare different lenders' offerings. Mobile home interest rates and fees can vary widely by lender, so take the time to shop around. Try to find a loan that has few fees and low rates so you can minimize your borrowing costs. Why it's important Doing your research and shopping around can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan and help you secure more favorable loan terms. In addition, searching for financing options early will help ensure a loan is available when you're ready to buy. You'll want to ensure that your application is as complete and transparent as possible. In addition, many lenders require a down payment, so be prepared to make one when you complete your application. Why it's important Being able to submit a complete application will improve your odds of qualifying and keep the process running smoothly. If you're planning to get a personal loan, you'll need documents that verify your identity, residency, employment and income. As with any loan, mobile home interest rates and manufactured home loan rates will vary based on several factors. Your credit score, down payment amount, type of home and whether you're buying the land will affect the amount you pay. With this information, you can use a loan calculator to estimate your loan costs. To qualify for low mobile home interest rates, make sure your credit score is at least 700. You'll need a score of 750 or higher and a low percentage of debt relative to your income to qualify for the best rates available. The average rates presented are accurate as of June 17, 2025. Type of loan Average rates Typical minimum credit score Typical terms FHA 6.92% 500 Up to 30 years Fannie Mae Varies 620 Up to 30 years Freddie Mac Varies 680 Up to 30 years Chattel Starting at 5.99% 575 Up to 20 years Personal 12.65% 600 Up to 7 years You'll often hear the terms mobile, manufactured and modular used interchangeably when discussing these similar types of homes. While they are related, there are some important differences between these homes. A mobile home is built at a factory before it's brought to a property for setup. It may or may not use metal tie-downs in place of a traditional foundation. However, this explanation can also apply to manufactured homes. Like mobile homes, manufactured homes are built in a factory. They can be set up at their permanent location on blocks, metal piers or a permanent foundation. Unlike mobile homes, manufactured homes are not intended to be moved once they're set up. They are usually more expensive than mobile homes, with an average sale price of $120,900 in January 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Similar to mobile and manufactured homes, modular homes are built in a factory and shipped to the land where they will be set up. However, modular homes are more similar to traditional homes. They often include crawlspaces and basements and use a traditional foundation. They can cost between $160,000 and $320,000, according to Angi. Bankrate's take Before you shop, understand the differences between mobile, modular and manufactured homes, so you can choose the option that makes the most sense for you. Now that you know how to buy a mobile home or manufactured home, you'll want to consider a few factors to make sure you select the best option, including location, size and age. Before you think about anything else, figure out where you will install your mobile home. The location you choose will have a big impact on the rest of the process. 'Purchasing a mobile home and finding the right location is just like buying a home,' Sexton says. 'A good neighborhood is important.' You can choose to install the home on a piece of land you already own, buy the land where your mobile home will be located or rent a plot of land in a mobile home community. If you choose to buy land, consider zoning regulations and necessary utility hookups. Mobile homes and manufactured homes come in a variety of sizes. Larger homes are more expensive and require larger lots. As a result, you may need to borrow more if you want a larger home. Mobile homes are usually classified by their width. Both classifications are usually about 70 feet long. The classifications you'll typically see are: Single-wide homes or single units: Under 15 feet wide Double-wide homes or double units: About 30 feet wide 'Many towns don't allow single-wide mobile homes in their town or city limits,' Sexton says. 'Make sure you research the rules that might apply to your situation.' Unlike traditional real estate, mobile and manufactured homes tend to lose value over time. That means you can get a discount if you buy a used mobile home. The trade-off is that used mobile homes will often show signs of age, unless they've been well-maintained. Some locations won't allow the placement of homes produced before a specific date, which limits your options. Purchasing an older mobile home may require expert insight to assess its condition. When you purchase a mobile or manufactured home, one of the expenses to consider is the cost of mobile home insurance. Similar to standard homeowners insurance, this type of policy offers you protection if your home is damaged or requires repairs. Often, mobile home policies cover both the dwelling itself and your personal belongings, if they're damaged or stolen. You may also obtain policies that include liability coverage, which protects you if someone is injured on your property and you are held liable. Standard mobile home insurance typically doesn't include coverage for hurricanes, earthquakes and flood events, and may require an add-on for this protection. And, like traditional homes, the cost of mobile home insurance policies varies based on your coverage level. Mobile and manufactured homes can be much more affordable than a traditional site-built home — but they can be trickier to finance. Since you typically can't use a conventional mortgage to buy a mobile home, you should consider options like FHA loans, VA loans and personal loans. You'll also want to ensure the home isn't too old to qualify, and that you have a suitable location. What credit score is needed to finance a mobile home? The higher your credit score, the easier it will be to qualify for a mobile home loan with competitive interest rates. 'FHA will finance with a 500 to 589 credit score and 10 percent down,' Sexton says. 'Credit scores of 580 or above will only be required to have a deposit of 3.5 percent. The minimum credit score with Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae is 620. Various chattel loan providers will require a credit score of as little as 575 or as high as 660.' How long can I finance a mobile home? The length of mobile home financing depends on the lender. However, you can expect to find loans with terms ranging from five to 30 years, depending on the loan type. Is it hard to finance a mobile home? Because mobile homes depreciate over time, it can be more challenging to find a lender that offers financing for manufactured homes. But there are still plenty of options available. Just be sure to do your due diligence to find the right one based on your creditworthiness, financial situation, needs and preferences. Should I use a personal loan to buy a mobile home? A personal loan can be a good way to finance a mobile home that doesn't qualify for other types of financing. They are unsecured, offer fast funding and have fewer restrictions when it comes to choosing your home. However, personal loans generally have lower maximum borrowing amounts, higher interest rates and shorter terms than traditional mobile home financing options, such as FHA loans or loans from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. This could make it more difficult to borrow enough to purchase the home you want and repay your loan on time. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Yahoo

3 days ago

• Yahoo

Former In-N-Out employee files $3 million lawsuit, accuses company of alleged discrimination over hairstyle

A former In-N-Out employee has filed a $3 million lawsuit against In-N-Out, alleging that he received discriminatory treatment and was eventually fired due to his hairstyle. Elijah Obeng, a Black man, filed his lawsuit in Compton Superior Court and said he suffered from severe emotional distress, reputational harm and loss of employment. He is accusing In-N-Out of wrongful termination, discrimination based on race, failure to prevent harassment, harassment based on race, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and failure to prevent harassment, discrimination, or retaliation. In-N-Out declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation. Obeng said in the suit that he was unfairly targeted by the burger chain's dress code, which requires employees to wear company-issued hats with their hair tucked in. Men are required to be clean-shaven, according to the lawsuit. However, as his hair grew, Obeng said he was instructed by management to change his hairstyle to comply with company policy. Specifically, he was advised to cut or alter his hair so that it could fit entirely under the uniform hat, according to the suit. Obeng stated that he braided his hair to comply with company policy, but management advised him to cut off his sideburns, which Obeng found 'humiliating and discriminatory.' Obeng stated that he began experiencing different treatment, such as being reprimanded for minor infractions, having his work scrutinized more harshly and being denied opportunities for promotion and advancement. Around May 25, 2024, Obeng stated that his supervisor instructed him to go home, shave and return. However, Obeng noted that he didn't have any facial hair other than natural sideburns that were part of his hairstyle. His coworkers also witnessed the interaction. Obeng stated that he felt 'publicly humiliated' during that moment. A few days later, Obeng was fired and claimed he was let go due to his 'natural hair and resistance to discriminatory policies.' In-N-Out claimed he was let go due to prior write-ups, according to the suit. The lawsuit states that In-N-Out violated the CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair. The California law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their hairstyles and hair textures. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.