Education

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SB 1070: Authorizing School Building Authority to fund grounds and site improvements

SB 1070 authorizes West Virginia's School Building Authority to use existing funds for specific grounds and site improvements that protect school buildings' structural safety and integrity. It allows funding for drainage systems, erosion control, soil stabilization, and related engineering services when needed to prevent foundation damage, flooding, or structural threats - excluding purely aesthetic landscaping or routine maintenance. The bill requires written certification from a licensed engineer confirming that proposed improvements are necessary for building safety before approval. This directly affects public school facilities statewide by enabling proactive, cost-effective protection of school infrastructure. The measure expands the Authority's existing funding powers to address site conditions threatening building safety, with implementation effective 90 days after passage.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAuthorizes existing funds for structural safety improvements (drainage, erosion control) to protect school buildings, directly advancing K-12 infrastructure safety and integrity.95% confidence

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passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 2, 2026

SB 1020: Allowing up to five educational leave days within definition of "excused absence"

This bill adds "educational leave days" to West Virginia's list of excused absences, allowing up to five days per school year for approved educational activities (like field trips or workshops). Parents must submit a note within three days explaining the purpose, and schools can reject days that don't meet state-defined criteria. It directly affects students, parents, and school staff managing attendance records. The bill also clarifies that 4-H, FFA, and similar activities already count toward the existing 10-day limit for school-approved activities, so they aren't subject to the new educational leave cap.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands excused absences for approved educational activities (field trips/workshops), supporting student access to learning opportunities within attendance policy.95% confidence

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passed both · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 14, 2026

HB 5453: To modify the school aid funding formula.

HB 5453 modifies West Virginia's school funding formula, shifting to a block grant of $6,100 per student for county school districts starting in 2029-2030 (with a minimum 1,200-student threshold per county), while public charter schools receive $8,600 per student. It creates a "Supplemental School Aid Fund" to provide additional per-pupil funding for Tier II ($3,050) and Tier III special needs students beginning in 2029-2030. School districts may also request supplemental funding for specific needs like transportation, vocational centers, or pilot programs through this fund. The bill requires annual oversight reports by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability and defines "maladministration" as financial mismanagement that could trigger funding restrictions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationModifies funding formula to increase per-student allocation ($6,100-$8,600) and adds supplemental fund for special needs students ($3,050), advancing school funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice School Funding Student Financial Aid

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 9, 2026

HB 5362: Relating to Hope Scholarships awards

HB 5362 would amend West Virginia's Hope Scholarship Program by establishing income limits for eligibility, requiring scholarship recipients to use public school testing resources, and restricting scholarship use to in-state schools. The bill would require the Board of Education to create rules for reimbursing counties when public schools provide services to scholarship students. It directly affects families applying for Hope Scholarships for their children attending public or private schools in West Virginia. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced on February 9, 2026, and referred to the House Education committee.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRestricts eligibility via income limits and in-state use, limiting scholarship access and imposing public testing requirements on recipients.92% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice Student Financial Aid

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 18, 2026

SB 988: Authorizing staffing recommendations and limits by Department of Education

SB 988 requires West Virginia county school boards to submit annual staffing plans by May 1, detailing all covered employees (including teachers and support staff) by category, justification, and budget impact. The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) will then issue annual staffing recommendations and maximum funded allowances by April 1, based on enrollment, special education needs, and other objective criteria. County boards can request exceptions to these limits by submitting a written justification and funding plan, but must receive WVDE approval to hire above recommended levels. If a county exceeds the limit without approval, WVDE can order corrective actions like eliminating unfunded positions or suspending hiring until compliance is restored.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationSets maximum staffing budgets via WVDE recommendations, restricting county flexibility in staff allocation and funding decisions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding Special Education Teachers

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signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 814: Supplemental appropriation to State Board of Education, fund 0313

This bill (SB 814) allocates $70,357,538 in unappropriated surplus funds from the State General Revenue Fund to the Hope Scholarship Program under the State Board of Education. It directly affects the Hope Scholarship Program by providing supplemental funding for fiscal year 2026. The bill does not change program rules or eligibility - it simply reallocates existing surplus funds to cover program costs. This is a routine budget adjustment, not a new policy.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates surplus funds to fund Hope Scholarship Program, supporting public education without new taxes or policy changes.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $70M surplus to Hope Scholarship Program, directly funding educational access without restrictions or policy changes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Revenue State Budget Student Financial Aid

passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 3, 2026

SB 1044: Requiring Board of Education to promulgate rule that sets forth common graduation requirements

SB 1044 requires the West Virginia Board of Education to create uniform graduation requirements for all public high school students. It mandates specific pathways - Academic (college-prep), Workforce, Career and Technical Education/Skilled Trades, and Military - and establishes standardized certificates of proficiency detailing each graduate's skills, readiness for employment, or college readiness. The bill directly affects all West Virginia public high schools and students by replacing inconsistent local requirements with state-mandated standards across these four pathways. It also requires schools to issue certificates of proficiency alongside diplomas, specifying the student's completed program of study and relevant skills.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates uniform graduation requirements and standardized skill certificates, enhancing consistency and student readiness for college/career pathways across all public high schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Curriculum Testing & Assessment

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 6, 2026

HB 5310: Supplemental Appropriation to the Department of Education - Hope Scholarship Program from the Unappropriated Surplus Balance.

HB 5310 allocates $78,482,003 from West Virginia's unappropriated surplus balance in the General Revenue fund to the Hope Scholarship Program for fiscal year 2026. This supplemental appropriation directly funds the Hope Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded scholarships to students attending private schools. The bill uses leftover state funds identified in the Governor's budget document, adding a new line item to the Department of Education's budget without requiring new taxes. The funds are designated for use during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, as specified in the bill's appropriation table.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesUses unappropriated surplus to fund scholarships without new taxes, aligning with fiscal responsibility and program funding per budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $78M from surplus to Hope Scholarship Program, expanding K-12 educational access via private school funding.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Revenue State Budget Student Financial Aid

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 5239: To increase the minimum starting salary for a teacher to $50,000

HB 5239 raises West Virginia's minimum base salary for public school teachers to $50,000 annually, directly affecting all teachers in the state's public school system. The bill amends the state's salary schedule to establish $50,000 as the new minimum starting point for all teachers, regardless of experience level or degree. This change replaces the current lowest salary tier (which was $36,597 for entry-level teachers with zero experience) with a uniform $50,000 floor across all teaching positions. The policy applies to all school districts and takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases state spending on public education by raising teacher salaries from $36,597 to $50,000 annually, directly funding a public service.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationRaises minimum teacher salary from $36,597 to $50,000, directly supporting educator compensation and retention in K-12 public schools.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRaises minimum teacher salary from $36,597 to $50,000, directly increasing wages for public school teachers under Labor & Employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Teachers Minimum Wage

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 5115: To implement trauma-informed practices in schools

HB 5115 requires West Virginia public schools (K-12) to adopt trauma-informed practices starting July 1, 2026, affecting all teachers, school staff, and students. The bill mandates training for educators on understanding trauma's impact on learning and behavior, while requiring schools to replace punitive discipline with restorative practices that address root causes. It also specifies creating inclusive school environments where students feel safe, connected, and supported through evidence-based strategies that avoid discrimination. The State Board of Education must develop implementing rules to ensure compliance with these standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReplaces punitive discipline with restorative practices in schools, reducing school-based disciplinary referrals linked to criminal justice system involvement.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates trauma-informed training, restorative practices, and inclusive environments to support student well-being and educator effectiveness in K-12 schools.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareTrauma-informed practices directly address mental health support in schools through staff training and restorative practices, aligning with healthcare indicators for supporting mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights K-12 Education School Safety Student Health

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