West Virginia Education Board Calls for Action on School Closures

Charleston, West Virginia – Paul Hardesty, president of the West Virginia Board of Education, called for legislative action to address the rising number of public school closures during a meeting on October 1, 2025. He argued that lawmakers need to take responsibility for the school closures resulting from school choice policies, which have seen tens of thousands of students exit the public school system over the last decade.

Hardesty highlighted the concerning trend in public school closures within the state, revealing that 16 schools closed in 2024, a notable increase from 9 schools in 2023 and 5 schools in 2022. In just the first part of 2025, five more public schools have already shut their doors, as reported by Christy Day from the West Virginia Department of Education.

The mass movement away from public education has created a financial strain on the remaining schools, with over 35,000 students leaving the system in recent years. Hardesty identified a significant misunderstanding among the public regarding the lawmakers’ role in creating education laws, emphasizing that it is the legislative body that oversees such policies. He posited that an increase in understanding is essential for effective dialogue about the education system.

Financial Implications of School Choice

The West Virginia Hope Scholarship program, which allocates approximately $5,200 per student for private education or homeschooling, has been criticized by Hardesty. He suggested that the program lacks necessary regulatory oversight and poses financial challenges to public schools. The projected funding requirement for the state’s school voucher program is expected to rise to about $245 million next year, representing an increase of $144 million from the current fiscal year.

Despite the enactment of school choice legislation, Hardesty expressed concern that no corresponding updates have been made to the current school funding model. This gap in funding reforms may lead to further challenges for public schools, which are often responsible for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) who require additional support.

Opinions on Legislative Responsibility

Delegate Joe Ellington, chairman of the House Education Committee, remarked that discussions regarding updates to the school funding formula are premature. However, he acknowledged that evaluations of the current system may take place prior to the next legislative session. This indicates that although nothing has been immediately scheduled, the possibility of future discussions remains open.

Hardesty also expressed his concerns about external influences on local education policies, specifically pointing out the impact of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) on West Virginia’s educational framework. He suggested that ALEC has played a role in promoting changes that have negatively affected public education in the state.

Background on School Closures in West Virginia

Over the past few years, West Virginia has witnessed a growing trend in public school closures, coinciding with the implementation of more aggressive school choice initiatives. Critics of these policies have raised alarms about the long-term effects on the quality of public education and the resources available for students who remain in the public school system.

The impact of school choice, particularly in areas where educational resources are already limited, raises concerns about equity in education throughout the state. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the focus on maintaining robust public educational institutions is likely to remain a contentious issue among stakeholders at all levels.

In summary, the recent meeting underscored the ongoing debate surrounding school closures and the accountability of lawmakers in shaping the future of education in West Virginia. With financial pressures mounting and a significant number of students leaving the public school system, the situation calls for immediate attention and potential reform in legislation pertaining to education funding and school choice initiatives.