Creating moratorium on school closings and consolidation

SB 896 creates a 5-year moratorium on public school closings and consolidations in West Virginia, effective July 1, 2025, directly affecting all public schools across the state. The bill requires the Board of Education to conduct specific studies during this period, including analyzing school proximity impacts on student well-being and academic performance, implementing a non-identifying school rating system, and validating assessment data. It also mandates emergency funding for schools through Local School Improvement Councils and requires a final report to the legislature after the moratorium ends. The bill aims to gather data before making future decisions about school structure, rather than allowing immediate closures or consolidations.