Bill > SB219

This bill establishes a five-year moratorium, starting July 1, 2026, on closing or consolidating public schools in West Virginia, acknowledging the diverse needs of communities and the current lack of sufficient data to inform such decisions. During this period, the West Virginia Department of Education is directed to allocate emergency funds to keep all existing schools operational and grant necessary waivers to policies. The Board of Education is tasked with conducting several studies and data collections, including a statewide inventory of school proximity and travel distances, a rating system for parent and student satisfaction with school safety, climate, and academic support, and validation of assessment data by excluding certain student scores and accounting for weather disruptions. Additionally, the Board will commission independent studies on the impact of school size, travel time, and proximity to home on student well-being and academic performance, as well as the fiscal consequences of consolidation. The Board will also survey new and long-term residents about their school preferences. If these actions are not completed within five years, the moratorium will continue indefinitely until all requirements are met, after which the Board will report its findings and legislative recommendations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=219&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill