Legislative Action Urged Amid Rising School Closures in West Virginia

News Summary

Paul Hardesty, president of the West Virginia Board of Education, has called for immediate legislative action to address the increasing number of public school closures. The rise in closures is attributed to school choice policies that have facilitated a significant decline in student enrollment, straining remaining public schools financially. Hardesty criticized the lack of regulatory oversight in the state’s Hope Scholarship program and highlighted concerns about the impact on students with special needs. Lawmakers are urged to reassess the funding model as the situation continues to evolve.

Charleston, West Virginia – Legislative Action Urged Amid School Closures

Paul Hardesty, the president of the West Virginia Board of Education, has called for immediate legislative action in response to the rising number of public school closures across the state. Speaking during a regular board meeting on October 1, 2025, Hardesty highlighted that the issue stems from the school choice policies that have led to an exodus of students from public schools over the past decade. Hardesty insists that it is the responsibility of lawmakers, not educators, to address these closures, as they possess the authority to amend the school aid formula contributing to the financial strain on public schools.

Increase in School Closures

Since 2022, West Virginia has witnessed a troubling increase in public school closures. In 2022, five schools closed, followed by nine in 2023, and 16 closures reported in 2024. The trend has continued into 2025, with five schools already closing their doors this year, as noted by Christy Day from the state Department of Education. This pattern of school closures has contributed to a significant decline in student enrollment, with over 35,000 students leaving the public school system in the last ten years, creating a severe financial crisis for the schools that remain.

Impact of School Choice Policies

Hardesty criticized the state’s Hope Scholarship program, which allocates approximately $5,200 per student for private education or homeschooling, stating that it lacks adequate regulatory oversight and is financially burdensome. He also pointed out that the school voucher program is expected to require around $245 million in funding next year, a sharp increase of $144 million compared to the current year. Despite the enactment of school choice legislation, Hardesty argued that there have been no adjustments to the existing school funding model to mitigate the negative impacts on public schools.

Concerns Over Student Needs

Hardesty expressed concern regarding the ability of private schools to support students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), suggesting that such students may not receive the necessary attention and resources outside the public education system. As a result, public schools are increasingly tasked with educating students who face greater social and developmental challenges.

Legislative Oversight and Future Evaluations

Delegate Joe Ellington, who chairs the House Education Committee, responded to Hardesty’s concerns by indicating that it may be too early for a discussion about revising the school funding formula. However, he acknowledged that ongoing evaluations of the school funding model might take place prior to the next legislative session, highlighting a willingness to re-examine the current system if warranted.

Influence of Legislative Groups

Hardesty voiced concerns regarding the influence of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) on the legislative framework governing education in West Virginia. He implied that ALEC’s involvement has led to detrimental changes in public education, compounding the issues faced by public schools across the state.

Conclusion

As school closures continue to rise and student enrollment declines, the call for legislative action has become increasingly urgent. Lawmakers in West Virginia face pressure to reassess school funding policies and address the shifting dynamics of public education, ensuring that all students, particularly those with special needs, have access to quality education. The next steps taken by the state legislature will be closely monitored by parents, educators, and community members alike as they navigate the complexities of educational reform and student welfare in West Virginia.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Parents Rally Against Proposed School Closures in District 65
Port of Los Angeles Faces Major Economic Decline
West Virginia Education Leaders Call for Funding Reforms
Kyrene Elementary School District Adjusts Closure Plans
Evanston School Board Considers Closure of Elementary Schools
UCLA Anderson Forecast Warns of Economic Challenges Ahead
Los Angeles County Launches New Assistance Program for Small Businesses
Los Angeles County Launches Aid Program for Small Businesses
Alexandria Homecoming Events Canceled Due to Security Threats
Wolves Den Parkway Closure Impacts Local Schools

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