Providing greater access to unused buildings for public charter schools

Senate Bill 53 requires West Virginia county school boards to publish an annual list of unused public buildings (such as closed or unoccupied school facilities) on a public website. This allows public charter schools to request and lease these buildings for classroom use, provided the buildings are not currently used for instruction. The bill ensures county boards cannot sell or block a building once a charter school requests it, and gives schools up to two years to secure approval and complete necessary renovations. Charter schools must pay market-rate rent and cover all operating costs (including utilities, maintenance, and repairs) during the lease. If a charter school's application is denied, the county board is not obligated to hold the building for future requests.