Bill > SB889

This bill creates the Sustaining Opportunities for Academics in Rural Schools (SOAR) Act, which aims to support rural communities by establishing a framework for creating and operating rural in-person public charter schools. The bill allows for the creation of rural charter schools in areas where students would otherwise have a bus commute exceeding 45 minutes to the nearest non-charter public school. These rural schools will be established under the sponsorship of an existing public charter school, which will provide administrative, operational, and educational support. The sponsoring charter school will receive per-pupil funding plus a supplemental $2,500 per student to cover support services. The rural charter school will have its own governing board, initially formed by an ad hoc committee and then transitioning to a permanent board within 90 days of opening, which must include at least two parents of enrolled students, one community resident, and potentially a county superintendent. The bill provides detailed provisions for governance, funding, transportation, and operational support, with the goal of preventing unnecessary school consolidation and ensuring educational access for students in geographically remote areas. The West Virginia Professional Charter School Board will oversee implementation and monitor compliance with the act's requirements.