This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 18-5-13e, to the Code of West Virginia, establishing a moratorium on public school closures and consolidations. The moratorium will remain in effect until the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) reviews and proposes changes to the School Aid Formula, aimed at preventing the closure of at least 80% of schools that have been considered for closure in the current and previous four fiscal years due to financial and operational factors. The WVDE is tasked with reporting these proposed changes to the Legislature.

Under this bill, school closures and consolidations will only be permitted in cases of catastrophic structural failure or ongoing, unresolvable safety and health hazards. The moratorium will be lifted only after the Legislature receives the WVDE's proposal and takes action regarding its implementation or rejection. This legislation is intended to protect schools from closure while a comprehensive review of funding and operational support is conducted.

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