CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS)- As Chairman of the West Virginia School Building Authority (SBA), Gov. Justice announced another round of school infrastructure investments today with the approval of $65,000,000.00 for 12 needs-based projects, including the construction of four new schools.
Since Gov. Justice assumed office, the School Building Authority has allocated over $800 million to county school boards across West Virginia. Combined with nearly $330 million from local contributions, the overall investment in the state’s educational facilities surpasses a record $1.13 billion—the most of any eight year stretch in the SBA’s 35-year history.
“This investment is more than just classrooms and buildings,” Gov. Justice said. “It’s about giving our kids the resources they need to thrive in West Virginia. This is another huge win for our students, our communities, and our entire state. Not to mention that it’s creating hundreds of construction jobs for these new schools, too. When you think about how far we’ve come as a state, it’s truly remarkable. For too long, West Virginia was a place nobody paid attention to, but that’s not the case any more. We’re shattering records left and right, including our investments in our schools. I couldn’t be more proud of the improvements we’ve made in education, because it’s only going to continue to get better and better.”
Counties receiving funds to build new schools include:
Putnam — $8,333,333 (with $25,000,000 committed)
This funding will support the construction of the new Hurricane Middle School. This is a multi-year commitment with the same recurring payment over three years for a total award sum of $25,000,000.
Kanawha — $6,774,534 (with $20,323,602 committed)
This funding will support the construction of the new Upper Kanawha Valley Consolidated (Dupont) Elementary School. This is a multi-year commitment with the same recurring payment over three years for a total award sum of $20,323,602.
Monongalia — $16,982,966
This funding will support the construction of the new Suncrest Middle School. The award is a multiyear commitment, with two payments: $11,400,437 in Fiscal Year 2025 and $5,582,529 in Fiscal Year 2026, for a total of $16,982,966.
Berkeley — $4,000,000
This funding will support the construction of the new Inwood Learning Center.
Counties receiving funds to renovate existing schools include:
Harrison — $5,313,402
To be used for the expansion of the Robert C. Byrd Career & Technical Center and the cafeteria at Mountaineer Middle School.
Monroe — $4,523,124
To be used for additions and renovations at James Monroe High School Technical Center.
Greenbrier — $14,000,000
To be used for additions and renovations at White Sulphur Springs Elementary School.
Logan — $3,596,734
To be used for HVAC, electrical, and fire alarm replacements at Man High School.
Grant — $1,861,100
To be used for safe school additions and renovations at Petersburg High School.
Marion — $2,774,945
To be used to improve safe school entrances at nine schools across Marion County.
Pleasants — $1,499,590
To be used for interior electrical upgrades, lighting, ceilings, and sprinkler system improvements at Pleasants County Middle School.
Hardy — $922,800
To be used for security upgrades at East Hardy Elementary School and Moorefield Middle School.
