Monongalia County Board Criticizes HOPE Scholarship Program Growth

Shawn Smith, president of the Monongalia County board of education, criticized the HOPE Scholarship program, stating it is a voucher program and not a scholarship. Smith noted that the program has expanded significantly, growing from about 2,000 recipients to over 26,000 for the 2026-27 academic year, costing approximately $155 million. Smith cited a study by the RAND Corporation recommending that eligibility be targeted by income to concentrate resources on families that could benefit.

Smith argued that while the HOPE Scholarship line item increases annually, state districts are forced to spend money they do not have to cover rising costs and growing student needs, such as students with special needs. Smith warned that without regulation, the program could grow to over $100 million annually.