Bill > HB5369

This bill, the West Virginia Rural School Protection Act, establishes new protections for rural public schools, recognizing their vital role in communities and addressing concerns that school consolidation can lead to longer student travel times and reduced educational access, especially in rural areas with challenging geography and infrastructure. To close or consolidate a "protected rural school"—defined as a school in a sparsely populated county, one where closure would significantly increase student travel times beyond set limits (30 minutes for elementary, 40 minutes for middle and high school), or one that is the sole school in its area—a county board of education must first create and publicly share a detailed impact statement at least 90 days before a vote. This statement must analyze transportation impacts, enrollment trends, costs of alternatives, academic and community effects, and rejected alternatives, and it must be followed by a public hearing. Furthermore, any decision to close or consolidate such a school requires a supermajority (two-thirds) vote of the county board, followed by ratification by voters in the affected area during a statewide primary or general election, or through a petition triggering a referendum. The State Board of Education must also approve the closure or consolidation, ensuring compliance with the act and that educational access is maintained. The bill also mandates a mitigation and transition plan for any approved consolidation, creates a funding "weight" in the state aid formula to support rural schools, and requires a forensic audit by the State Auditor in certain circumstances before a closure vote, particularly if there's evidence of significant waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement of funds.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5369&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill