Bill > SB504

This bill, titled the "West Virginia Rural School Protection Act," establishes new protections for rural public schools, recognizing their importance to communities and the potential negative impacts of consolidation, such as longer student travel times. A "protected rural school" is defined as one in a sparsely populated county, where closure would significantly increase student transportation times beyond set limits (30 minutes for elementary, 40 minutes for middle and high school), or if it's the only school in its area. Before any vote to close or consolidate such a school, a detailed impact statement must be created and made public at least 90 days in advance, outlining transportation impacts, enrollment trends, cost comparisons, effects on students and the community, and rejected alternatives, all subject to public comment and hearings. The closure or consolidation then requires a two-thirds vote from the county board of education, followed by ratification by voters in the affected area in a statewide election, or if a petition signed by 25% of registered voters triggers a referendum. Additionally, the State Board of Education must approve the closure or consolidation, ensuring it complies with the act and doesn't unreasonably increase transportation burdens or reduce educational access, with limited exceptions for transportation waivers. Any approved consolidation must include a plan to mitigate impacts on transportation and student support, and the bill also creates a funding weight in the state school aid formula to provide additional financial support to protected rural schools to help offset operational costs and reduce pressure to consolidate.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=504&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill