News Summary
The West Virginia Board of Education is urging lawmakers to address the rising number of public school closures in the state. Board President Paul Hardesty highlights the dramatic increase in closures due to declining student enrollment and financial challenges faced by public schools. He emphasizes the need for a re-evaluation of education policies and funding models, particularly regarding the impact of school choice initiatives. Education leaders aim to stabilize and improve the public education system in West Virginia, calling for more legislative engagement to tackle these pressing issues.
Charleston, West Virginia — October 1, 2025
The President of the West Virginia Board of Education, Paul Hardesty, has called for legislative action to address the increasing number of public school closures and consolidations across the state. Speaking during a routine board meeting, Hardesty highlighted the rising trend of school closures and emphasized the need for lawmakers to take responsibility for policy decisions impacting public education.
Rising Number of Public School Closures
In recent years, West Virginia has seen a significant increase in the number of public schools closing. In 2022, five schools shut down, followed by nine closures in 2023, and 16 in 2024. So far in 2025, five public schools have already closed, according to data from the state Department of Education. These closures are part of broader efforts to manage declining student enrollment and operational costs within the public school system.
Student Enrollment Decline and Financial Impact
Hardesty reported that more than 35,000 students have left the traditional public school system in West Virginia over the past decade. This exodus has created a financial crisis for the remaining public schools, which are now grappling with reduced funding due to declining enrollment. As fewer students attend public schools, the financial resources allocated to these institutions diminish, thereby impacting their ability to operate effectively.
School Choice Policies and Funding Concerns
One major factor contributing to declining public school enrollment is the expansion of school choice policies. These policies include programs such as the Hope Scholarship, which currently provides approximately $5,200 per student for private education or homeschooling. However, critics argue that the program lacks adequate regulatory safeguards and is costly for the state. The voucher program’s projected cost for the upcoming year is roughly $245 million, representing an increase of $144 million from the current year’s funding.
Legislative Role and Funding Model
During the meeting, Hardesty emphasized that lawmakers, not education officials, are responsible for shaping education laws and policies. He pointed out a widespread misconception among the public regarding who creates education laws, attributing this confusion to a lack of awareness about the legislative process. Furthermore, Hardesty criticized the current school aid formula, noting that although school choice legislation has been passed, no changes have been made to the way public school funding is distributed.
Educational Challenges and Public School Responsibilities
Hardesty expressed concern that private schools participating in voucher programs are often not equipped to serve students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). This situation leaves public schools to handle students with greater social and developmental needs, increasing the strain on public resources. Public schools are thus left to serve a more diverse and challenging student population, exacerbating the financial difficulties they face.
Legislative Perspectives and Future Actions
While there is recognition of ongoing evaluations, Delegate Joe Ellington, chairman of the House Education Committee, stated it is premature to update the school funding formula at this time. He noted that a thorough review is planned before the next legislative session to consider necessary adjustments, but no specific changes are expected immediately.
Influence of External Organizations
Hardesty also voiced concerns about the influence of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), suggesting that its involvement in shaping state legislation has contributed to detrimental changes in public education policy in West Virginia. He implied that the organization’s role warrants scrutiny given its impact on school funding and education reform efforts.
Overall, education leaders in West Virginia are urging state legislators to take a more active role in addressing the system’s funding challenges and the rising number of school closures, aiming to stabilize and improve public education across the state.
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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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