CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia House of Delegates is considering a bill that could reshape how school districts operate in the state.
House Bill 3387 proposes the creation of a pilot program allowing the consolidation of county school districts into regional school districts.
The bill is currently on 2nd reading in the House (amendment stage) after a motion to table the bill on Tuesday failed on a 52-43 vote.
The bill acknowledges challenges faced by many county school systems, such as funding shortages, declining student populations, and geographic barriers.
By merging neighboring school districts into regional systems, lawmakers hope to improve operational efficiency and address ongoing issues more effectively.
Under the proposed program, the West Virginia State Board of Education would have the authority to form regional school districts, each consisting of up to three contiguous counties.
These districts would have the power to consolidate schools, make financial decisions, and operate independently of county boards of education.
The leadership of the new regional districts would have decision-making authority over the individual county boards within their jurisdiction.
If approved, the pilot program could begin as early as July 1, 2025.
The bill also grants the West Virginia State Board of Education the ability to establish rules to guide the transition and report on the program’s progress.
