Bill > SB552

This bill allows county boards of education to designate certain schools as "rural anchor schools" starting in the 2026-2027 school year, provided the state board approves. To qualify, a school must serve a predominantly rural community, be the primary neighborhood school, have low enrollment and be geographically isolated, and its closure would cause significant transportation or safety issues for students. The bill also ensures that these designated schools receive state aid funding as if they had at least 150 students, regardless of their actual enrollment, to help cover fixed operating and core staffing costs, with the state board determining how this is applied in the state aid formula. This designation is for five years and can be renewed, but can be revoked if the school no longer meets criteria, if additional funds are misused, or if reporting requirements are not met. Funds generated by this minimum enrollment treatment can only be used for fixed operating costs, essential staffing, or program adequacy. County boards must report annually to the state board on various aspects of these rural anchor schools, and the state board will create rules to implement these provisions.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=552&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill