SB 897
Creating Community School Support Fund
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a Community School Support Fund within the West Virginia Department of Education. The fund aims to provide financial assistance to schools identified as being at risk of closure or consolidation due to factors like declining enrollment or challenges with school aid formulas. The State Superintendent will oversee the creation and management of the fund, identifying savings and efficiencies to contribute to it, and prioritizing assistance to schools that previously received Federal Title 1 funding.
Key provisions
- Creates a Community School Support Fund (CSS Fund).
- Requires the State Superintendent to identify and allocate $5 million annually to the fund.
- Provides automatic eligibility for schools that received Federal Title 1 funding in 2023-2024.
- Allows assistance up to 20% of a school’s operating cost.
- The Local School Improvement Council (LSIC) will handle applications for funding.
- Exempts compliance with school funding formulas regarding personnel costs.
- Authorizes the use of Step 7 funds for school expenses.
- Legislative findings regarding community diversity and school challenges are included.
Who is affected
- West Virginia Public Schools
- Students in West Virginia Public Schools
- Local School Improvement Councils
- Department of Education
- School Districts
Notable changes
- Establishes a dedicated funding source for at-risk schools.
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours