The bill proposes the consolidation of West Virginia's 55 individual county school boards into 11 regional school boards, each representing five counties and comprising two members per county. The legislative findings highlight the challenges faced by school districts, including declining enrollment, rising costs, and inequitable funding, which necessitate this consolidation. The intent is to reduce administrative costs and operating expenses, allowing for reinvestment in teacher salaries, school programs, and potential tax relief, while also enhancing educational outcomes and streamlining management.

Effective July 1, 2026, the bill mandates the State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Schools to oversee this consolidation process. It also grants the State Board the authority to establish rules for legislative approval to ensure an orderly transition. The overarching goal of the bill is to better allocate resources to benefit the educational system and the communities served by these school boards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-13f