This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia to provide additional state aid to school districts with students enrolled in "extremely remote schools," which are defined as schools located at least 20 miles from any existing public, charter, or private school and serving a minimum of 20 students. The bill prohibits county boards from closing these extremely remote schools and requires them to submit documentation to the State Superintendent to verify the school's status. Additionally, it establishes reporting requirements for counties receiving extra funding, which must detail how the funds are utilized and their impact on student safety and education quality.

The bill also introduces a new section that outlines the purpose of providing support to extremely remote schools, addressing challenges such as operational costs, preparation for extreme weather, and professional development for teachers in rural settings. It specifies that any county board with students in an extremely remote school will receive additional state aid to keep the school operational. Furthermore, the bill allows these schools to request waivers from certain requirements, including those related to school personnel.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-9A-2, 18-9A-13