The bill introduced on March 24, 2025, aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 18-5-13e, which establishes the Community School Funding Formula Revision Act. This act 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. The WVDE is required to propose changes to the School Aid Formula to the legislature within 180 days, with the goal of preventing the closure of at least 80% of the schools that are currently or were previously under consideration for closure due to financial and operational factors.

The bill emphasizes the importance of addressing school closures by ensuring that financial and operational justifications are thoroughly evaluated. By revising the School Aid Formula based on the findings of the WVDE, the legislation seeks to enhance the sustainability of community schools and mitigate the impact of closures on local education systems.

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