Bill > SB218

This bill establishes a Community School Support Fund, or CSS Fund, within the Department of Education to aid schools facing closure or consolidation due to declining enrollment or operational challenges. The State Superintendent of Schools is required to find $5 million in savings from existing Department of Education budgets to allocate annually to this fund. Schools that qualified for Federal Title 1 funding in the 2024-2025 school year will automatically be eligible for assistance from the CSS Fund, up to 20% of their total operating costs. Applications for this assistance must be submitted by the school's Local School Improvement Council, and these schools will be exempt from certain school funding formula requirements regarding personnel. The Superintendent is also authorized to use specific "Step 7 funds" to cover personnel costs, facility operations, and other expenses necessary to keep these schools open. The bill's findings highlight the Legislature's recognition of the diverse needs of communities and the potential benefits of smaller schools, particularly for students from low-income or rural areas.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=218&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill