MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Mercer County Schools is currently navigating through its annual “staffing season,” a critical process that involves evaluating enrollment numbers and staffing requirements across its various locations.
According to a press release from Mercer County Schools, this year, the district is encountering unique challenges stemming from a combination of factors, including a significant loss of approximately $6 million in COVID-19 relief funds and a consistent decline in student enrollment.
Over the past few years, Mercer County has experienced a notable decrease in student enrollment, with numbers plummeting by more than 500 students.
This decline not only affects the district’s overall dynamics but also has direct implications on its state funding.
Unlike many other states that allocate education funding based on factors beyond just enrollment, West Virginia primarily relies on enrollment numbers for funding distribution.
As a result of this enrollment-based funding system, Mercer County finds itself with an excess of 90 service and professional personnel, according to the state aid funding formula.
Additionally, the district faces the imminent loss of approximately $6 million in American Rescue Plan and Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP-ESSER) Funds, which were instrumental in retaining additional faculty and staff to mitigate learning loss during the pandemic.
In response to these financial challenges and to better align staffing levels with the state aid formula, Mercer County Schools has announced that 82 employees will be affected through reassignments, transfers, or reductions in force during the ongoing staffing season.
Despite these adjustments, the district has reassured the public that essential positions such as school nurses, school resource officers, and student safety personnel will remain adequately funded, thanks to the support of the Mercer County Schools Excess Levy.
The Mercer County Schools Excess Levy funds services such as free textbooks, individual computers for each student, security personnel, and certain student activities and athletics heavily rely on the levy’s support.
The Mercer County Schools Excess Levy will be on the May 14, 2024 ballot.
Mercer County Schools Superintendent Edward Toman invites further inquiries or information by contacting him directly at 304-487-1551.