News Summary
The West Virginia Board of Education President calls for legislation to combat the rising trend of public school closures, which have severely impacted educational access and finances. With a substantial decrease in public school enrollment, the funding crisis deepens, raising concerns over the future of public education in the state. The effects of school choice policies, a budget crisis, and the challenges of accommodating special education needs among students are critical topics requiring immediate legislative focus.
Charleston, West Virginia — October 1, 2025
The President of the West Virginia Board of Education has called for legislative action to address the rising number of public school closures across the state. During a recent regular meeting, Paul Hardesty highlighted concerns about the increasing trend of school shutdowns, which are significantly impacting educational access and financial stability within the public school system.
Rising School Closures and Enrollment Drain
In 2024, West Virginia experienced the closure of 16 public schools, an increase from nine in 2023 and five in 2022. As of 2025, five additional public schools have already ceased operations, according to data from the state Department of Education. These closures contribute to a cumulative loss of over 35,000 students from the public education system over recent years, intensifying the financial crisis faced by the remaining schools.
Impact of School Choice Policies
Hardesty emphasized that policies promoting school choice have played a significant role in the decline in public school enrollment. He pointed out that tens of thousands of students have left public schools over the last decade due to these policies, which include private school vouchers and homeschooling options. The state’s Hope Scholarship program currently allocates approximately $5,200 per student for private education or homeschooling, a figure that critics say is insufficiently regulated and costly.
Funding Challenges and Legislative Responsibilities
Hardesty stressed that the ongoing closures and declining enrollment are creating serious< ruby>financial strains on remaining public schools. With the public school support system facing a budget crisis, the state’s school voucher program is projected to require about $245 million in the upcoming year. This amount marks a substantial increase of $144 million compared to current year funding, further straining state resources.
He clarified that, despite legislation facilitating school choices, there have been no modifications to the existing school funding formula. The lack of adjustments raises concerns about the sustainability of public education amid shifting policies and demographic changes.
Public Misunderstanding and Policy Oversight
Hardesty pointed out that there is a “severe misconception” among the public regarding who is responsible for creating education laws in West Virginia. He indicated that many are unaware that legislators hold the final oversight and decision-making power regarding the school aid formula and education policy. This disconnect complicates efforts to address the challenges facing public schools.
Concerns About Special Education and Private School Capacity
An additional concern raised involves the capacity of private schools and their ability to serve students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Hardesty noted that private institutions often lack the resources to sufficiently support students with special needs, which results in public schools being responsible for educating those with more complex social and developmental challenges. This situation increases the burden on public institutions and complicates efforts to ensure equitable access to quality education.
Responses from Lawmakers and Critics
Delegate Joe Ellington, chair of the House Education Committee, responded by indicating that it is premature to discuss reforming the school funding formula. However, he noted that ongoing evaluations may lead to potential changes before the next legislative session. Meanwhile, concerns about the broader legislative influence, notably from organizations such as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), have been raised. Critics suggest that such groups have driven legislative reforms detrimental to public education in West Virginia.
Overall, the situation reflects a complex landscape of policy decisions, funding challenges, and educational access issues that require concerted legislative attention to ensure the sustainability and quality of public education in West Virginia.
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Additional Resources
- West Virginia Watch: WV School Board President Calls on Legislators to Address School Closures
- Wikipedia: School Choice
- WOWK TV: WV BOE President Urges Legislators to Address School Choice
- Google Search: West Virginia public education
- The Real WV: WV BOE President Tells Lawmakers to Level the Playing Field
- Google Scholar: West Virginia school funding
- WCHS TV: WVA Department of Education Announces School Closings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
- WDTV: WVA Board of Education Confirms School Closures
- Google News: West Virginia school closures
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