This bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 18-5-22f, which grants county boards of education the authority to rescind or reverse decisions to permanently close public school facilities until July 15 of the same calendar year. The legislation outlines several findings, emphasizing the significant impact of school closures on students, families, and communities, and the need for flexibility in reconsidering such decisions based on new information. It establishes a uniform deadline to enhance transparency and certainty before the school year begins.

The bill details the procedures for reversing a closure decision, requiring a majority vote at a public meeting, with the action recorded in the official minutes. Upon reversal, the school will be considered operational for the upcoming year, and the county board must notify relevant state authorities and take necessary administrative steps to reinstate operations. Importantly, after July 15, no reversals can occur for that school year unless otherwise authorized by law. The bill clarifies that it does not mandate any county board to reverse a closure decision or change existing statutory requirements for the initial closure process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-22f