West Virginia Board of Education rules school funding formula is outdated

The West Virginia Board of Education voted 7-to-1 that the existing funding formula for public schools is outdated and does not provide a thorough education. This decision was made in response to a lawsuit arguing the state's aid formula fails to meet the West Virginia Constitution's guarantee of a thorough education. The board noted that the current formula heavily weights enrollment but does not account for increased student needs requiring specialized services.

The funding shortfalls are already leading to widespread school consolidation and the closure of elementary schools in Raleigh County. School finance officers stated that resolving these issues requires a fundamental change in how public education funding is allocated, as reductions in personnel or school closures alone are insufficient.