Kanawha County, WV (WOAY) – In a 7-to-1 vote today, the West Virginia Board of Education has formally decided that the existing funding formula for public schools is outdated and does not provide a thorough education.
It’s in response to a lawsuit that argues that the state’s school aid formula fails to meet a requirement in the West Virginia Constitution that guarantees children a thorough and efficient education.
The current formula heavily weights enrollment, which does not account for increases in students needing specialized services that federal funding does not fully cover.
The state has seen widespread school consolidation due to funding shortfalls for years now, and Raleigh County has begun the process of closing several elementary schools.
In a statement, the state board of education says state lawmakers need to make a change.
School finance officer Uriah Cummings said, quote, “Many of these issues cannot be resolved solely through reductions in force, personnel transfers and school closures. Several counties have already reduced expenditures as much as possible. The level of relief necessary will require a fundamental change in how public education funding is allocated.”
