Bill > HB3508

This bill modifies the school aid formula in West Virginia to provide more support for schools through several key changes. In the definition of net enrollment, the bill adds a provision that special education enrollment will be weighted by 1.5 to provide additional funding for special education aides. The bill increases the number of service personnel per 1,000 students across different county density categories, raising the ratios for high-density, medium-density, low-density, and sparse-density counties. In the section on foundation allowances, the bill introduces new provisions for allocating funds, including allowing the Department of Education to retain up to $15 million annually to implement a uniform budgeting system, support regional professional learning cadres, and assist with academic initiatives. The bill also modifies rules around teacher and leader induction funding, allowing county boards to use up to 50% of the allocation for Safe Schools Fund projects. Additionally, the bill adds a restriction that counties falling below certain net enrollment thresholds will not be eligible for increased enrollment funding. These changes aim to provide more flexible and targeted funding to support educational needs across different types of school districts in West Virginia.