News Summary
West Virginia is facing a troubling rise in public school closures, with calls for legislative action to address the issue. Recent meetings highlighted concerns over declining enrollment and financial strains on the education system. Critics of school choice policies argue that funding for private education options is straining public resources. Education leaders are now urging lawmakers to reassess funding mechanisms to ensure stability and equity across public schools in the state.
Charleston, West Virginia—Legislative Action Urged Amid Rising Public School Closures
West Virginia is experiencing a significant increase in public school closures, prompting calls for legislative intervention. During a October 1, 2025 meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education, Board President Paul Hardesty highlighted mounting concerns over the ongoing trend and its implications for the state’s education system.
Rising Number of School Closures
In recent years, the number of public school closures has considerably risen. In 2024, 16 schools shut their doors across the state, representing a substantial increase from 9 schools closed in 2023 and only 5 in 2022. So far in 2025, five additional schools have already closed, according to data from the state Department of Education.
The Impact of Declining Enrollment
This trend correlates with a decline in student enrollment and a significant loss of public school students. Over 35,000 students have left West Virginia’s public school system over the past decade, a shift that has caused financial strain on the remaining schools. The decline has been partly attributed to the expansion of school choice policies, which allow students and families to opt for private education or homeschooling.
School Choice Policies and Funding Concerns
School choice initiatives, including the Hope Scholarship program, provide approximately $5,200 annually per student to fund private education or homeschooling options. Critics argue that the program lacks sufficient regulatory safeguards and is costly for the state. The program’s projected budget for the upcoming year is around $245 million, representing an increase of $144 million from the current year’s expenditures.
Legislative and Funding Challenges
While legislation supporting school choice has been enacted, no modifications have been made to the existing school funding formula. Hardesty emphasized that lawmakers, rather than education officials, bear responsibility for addressing the issue. He pointed out that the legislature has oversight over school aid allocations, which can be adjusted to help stabilize public schools.
Concerns Over Education Policy and Influence
Hardesty expressed concern over misconceptions among the public regarding who creates education laws in West Virginia, citing a general lack of awareness that legislators are responsible for these policies. He also raised issues about the influence of organizations such as ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council), alleging that their involvement has contributed to detrimental changes to the state’s public education framework.
Challenges with School Support Services
Another point of concern is the capacity of private schools to serve students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Critics argue that private institutions are often not fully equipped to meet the needs of students requiring specialized support, leaving public schools, which serve students with greater social and developmental challenges, to shoulder the responsibility.
Responses from Education Leaders
Delegate Joe Ellington, chair of the House Education Committee, indicated that it is premature to discuss updates to the state’s school funding formula. However, he acknowledged that ongoing evaluations might lead to adjustments before the next legislative session.
Calls for Action
Hardesty’s remarks underscore the urgent need for legislative action to address the rising number of school closures and the financial pressures on public education in West Virginia. He urged lawmakers to reevaluate policies and funding mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of public schools and the equitable distribution of resources across the state.
As the state continues to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on balancing school choice options with the financial and operational stability of public education, emphasizing that legislative decisions are central to shaping the future of West Virginia’s schools.
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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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