The bill introduced on January 14, 2026, aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, designated as 18-5-13e, which establishes the Community School Funding Formula Revision Act. This act mandates the West Virginia Department of Education 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 Department is required to propose changes to the School Aid Formula that could have potentially prevented the closure of at least 80 percent of the schools under consideration, focusing on those closures justified by financial and operational factors.

The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining community schools and seeks to address the financial challenges that lead to school closures. The new section will take effect upon passage, reflecting a commitment to revising funding strategies to support the sustainability of schools in West Virginia.

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