Bill > HB4646

This bill, titled the Remote Schools Support Act, aims to provide additional financial and operational support for extremely remote schools in West Virginia. It defines an "extremely remote school" as one located at least 20 travel miles from any other public or private school, within the same county, serving a minimum of 20 students, and provides examples of such schools. The bill mandates that any county board of education with students in an extremely remote school, and which receives state aid, will receive extra state funding specifically to keep these schools open. This additional aid is intended to cover ongoing building operation costs like utilities and maintenance, prepare for extreme weather, and fund professional development for teachers in rural and multi-grade settings. Importantly, the bill prohibits county boards from closing extremely remote schools and requires them to submit documentation to verify a school's remote status. Furthermore, counties receiving this extra funding must report annually on how the money is used and its impact, with the State Superintendent compiling these reports for legislative review. Extremely remote schools may also request waivers from certain requirements, including personnel-related ones.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4646&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill