The proposed bill aims to establish a Community School Support Fund (CSS Fund) within the West Virginia Department of Education to assist schools at risk of consolidation or closure due to declining enrollment and operational challenges. The legislation outlines several findings that highlight the diverse needs of schools in different socioeconomic contexts, emphasizing that smaller schools closer to students' homes are more effective for those from low-income neighborhoods. The bill mandates the State Superintendent of Schools to identify savings within the Department's budget to allocate an annual sum of five million dollars to the CSS Fund.

Additionally, the bill specifies that schools qualifying for Federal Title 1 funding during the 2023-2024 school year will be eligible for assistance from the CSS Fund, capped at 20% of their total operating costs. The application process for funding will be managed by the Local School Improvement Council (LSIC) of the requesting school, with certain exemptions from compliance with the school funding formula. The Superintendent is also authorized to use Step 7 funds to cover personnel and operational costs necessary for maintaining the school's viability.

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