The bill introduced on February 26, 2025, seeks to amend section 18-9D-15 of the Code of West Virginia by establishing the "Support for Neglected Schools Act." This legislation grants the School Building Authority the responsibility to manage state and federal funds for the construction and significant improvement of school facilities, ensuring that these projects align with the educational needs of students statewide. It specifies funding allocations, including a maximum of 10% for statewide educational projects, 2% for emergency funds, and 5% for multiuse vocational-technical education facilities. The bill also mandates that county boards provide maintenance expenditure data to qualify for funding and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive educational facility plans.

Moreover, the bill allows the Local School Improvement Council (LSIC) of any public school to independently apply for funding to address deferred maintenance issues when the cost to meet current standards exceeds 25% of the School Building Authority's estimated replacement cost. It also includes provisions for public charter schools to apply for funding for building renovations or constructions directly from the School Building Authority, with stipulations regarding the return of funded buildings if a charter school closes. The legislation encourages collaboration among county boards and promotes efficient resource use, particularly favoring multicounty project proposals. Overall, the bill aims to improve the infrastructure of educational facilities in West Virginia while ensuring accountability and effective resource allocation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-9D-15