Creating Student-First School Funding Act

SB 471, the Student-First School Funding Act, revises West Virginia's school funding formula to allocate state funds directly per student enrolled, with extra funding for students from low-income families, those with disabilities, in gifted programs, or attending rural schools. It creates a dedicated School Maintenance Fund with equal access to the existing Consolidation Fund, requiring streamlined applications based on maintenance urgency and educational impact. School districts must report annually on fund use, and the State Auditor will conduct audits to ensure accountability. This bill directly affects all public school districts in West Virginia by changing how state education funds are distributed and accessed.