The proposed bill aims to establish the Community School Funding Formula Revision Act by adding a new section, 18-5-13e, to the Code of West Virginia. This legislation mandates the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) to conduct a review of school closures and consolidations that are being considered in the current year and the previous four fiscal years. Within 180 days, the WVDE is required to propose changes to the School Aid Formula that could potentially prevent the closure of at least 80% of the schools under consideration, particularly when such closures are justified based on financial and operational factors.

The bill emphasizes the importance of addressing school closures by revising funding formulas to better support schools at risk of closure. It is designed to ensure that financial considerations do not lead to unnecessary school closures, thereby promoting the stability and accessibility of education in West Virginia. The new section will take effect upon passage of the bill.

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