Consolidate county school boards

HB 4037 requires West Virginia's 55 county school districts to consolidate into no more than 27 regional or area districts by July 1, 2029, addressing shared challenges like funding, geography, and population. The bill mandates the State Board of Education to study consolidation options and submit recommendations by October 31, 2026, with assistance from a newly created School District Unification Committee. This committee, composed of 11 members including school superintendents, teachers, and union representatives, must meet monthly to develop a transition plan. The State Board is also authorized to establish rules for the consolidation process to ensure orderly implementation.