Bill > SB684

This bill requires the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) to conduct a comprehensive review of school closures and consolidations that have been considered in the current and previous four fiscal years. Specifically, the bill mandates that WVDE propose amendments to the School Aid Formula within 180 days that would have prevented the closure of at least 80% of the schools under consideration, focusing specifically on closures that were primarily driven by financial and operational factors. The proposed changes to the formula aim to provide financial support that could help keep schools open, regardless of any previous decisions made by school districts. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, signaling an urgent need to address school closures and potentially preserve educational infrastructure in local communities.