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. To support this initiative, the State Superintendent of Schools is required to identify savings within the Department's budget and allocate an annual sum of $5 million specifically for the CSS Fund.

Additionally, the bill specifies that schools qualifying for Federal Title 1 funding during the 2024-2025 school year will be eligible for assistance from the CSS Fund, with support not exceeding 20% of their total operating costs. The application process for accessing these funds will be managed by the Local School Improvement Council of the requesting school, and certain compliance requirements regarding school funding formulas will be exempted. The Superintendent is also authorized to use Step 7 funds to cover personnel and operational costs necessary for maintaining the viability of these schools.

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