SB 552
Authorizing county boards of education to designate schools as rural anchor schools
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows West Virginia county boards of education to designate schools as "rural anchor schools." To qualify, schools must serve predominantly rural communities, be the primary neighborhood school, have low enrollment, and prevent unreasonable transportation burdens. Designated schools would receive additional state aid, specifically aimed at covering fixed operating costs and core staffing, and the county boards must report annually on the school’s performance and how the funds are used. The state board will create detailed rules for the designation process and accountability.
Key provisions
- County boards can designate schools as ‘rural anchor schools’ with state board approval.
- Eligibility criteria include serving a predominantly rural community, being the primary neighborhood school, and having low enrollment.
- Designated schools receive state aid at a minimum enrollment of 150 students.
- Additional state aid can be used for fixed operating costs, core staffing, and program adequacy.
- Designations are for a five-year term and can be renewed.
- The state board can revoke a designation if criteria aren't met or reporting requirements aren't followed.
- County boards must report annually on school enrollment, staffing, and the use of state aid.
- The state board will create rules to implement the designation process.
Who is affected
- County Boards of Education
- Rural Schools
- Students in Rural Communities
- West Virginia Public Schools
- State Board of Education
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