This bill proposes to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new section, 18-9A-27, which establishes a revised method of school aid funding. Effective for the school year 2027/2028, it mandates that all counties receive a base funding of $8,000 per enrolled student, with a minimum funding level set for counties with fewer than 1,200 enrolled pupils. Additionally, it creates a "Supplemental School Aid Fund" to provide extra funding for Tier II and Tier III special needs students, also at a rate of $8,000 per pupil. This supplemental fund is intended primarily for the benefit of special needs students but can also be used for extraordinary expenses such as transportation, vocational education, alternative learning centers, and pilot programs.

The bill outlines a process for counties to request additional funding through the Supplemental School Aid Fund, which will be distributed at the discretion of the State Department of Education based on demonstrated needs. It also establishes a reporting requirement, mandating that the distribution of funds be reviewed annually by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability (LOCEA). Furthermore, the Legislature retains oversight authority to address any maladministration by counties, allowing them to restrict funds if necessary.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-9A-27