October 3, 2025

West Virginia Board of Education Calls for Action on School Closures

News Summary

Paul Hardesty, president of the West Virginia Board of Education, has urged immediate legislative action to combat the rising number of public school closures caused by declining enrollment due to school choice policies. With over 35,000 students leaving public schools in the past decade and 16 schools closing in 2024 alone, Hardesty emphasizes the need for reform in the school funding structure. He also criticizes the lack of oversight for the Hope Scholarship program, which may further strain public education systems.

Charleston, West Virginia — Paul Hardesty, the president of the West Virginia Board of Education, has called for immediate legislative action to address the rising number of public school closures in the state. During a regular board meeting on October 1, 2025, Hardesty indicated that school choice policies have led to a significant decline in public school enrollment, with over 35,000 students leaving the system in the last decade. He urged lawmakers to take responsibility for these closures and to reform the school aid formula that he believes has contributed to the current crisis.

West Virginia has experienced a notable increase in public school closures, with 16 schools closing in 2024 alone, compared to 9 closures in 2023 and 5 in 2022. In the current year, five public schools have already shut their doors, as reported by the state Department of Education. Hardesty has pointed out that the trend not only impacts the availability of educational institutions but also puts a financial strain on the remaining public schools that can no longer sustain operations due to dwindling student numbers and funding.

Hardesty emphasized that a significant challenge comes from the public’s misunderstanding of the education law-making process in West Virginia. Many citizens are unaware that it is the legislature, not education officials, who determine education policies and funding structures. Hardesty has highlighted the potential for legislative change, which is vital in reversing the current trend of school closures.

The West Virginia Hope Scholarship program, which offers approximately $5,200 per student for private education or homeschooling, has been criticized by Hardesty for lacking proper oversight and regulatory frameworks, which may have contributed to the financial challenges faced by public schools. He further expressed concerns about the projected funding requirements for the state’s school voucher program, which is anticipated to demand $245 million in funding for the upcoming fiscal year—an increase of $144 million from the current year.

Despite the enactment of school choice legislation, Hardesty has pointed out that no significant changes have been made to the existing school funding model. He noted that while private institutions may be growing, they are often not equipped to accommodate all students, particularly those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Consequently, public schools are left with the responsibility of educating students who face more considerable social and developmental challenges.

In response to calls for reform, Delegate Joe Ellington, chairman of the House Education Committee, acknowledged it may be premature to discuss revising the school funding formula but mentioned that evaluations of the current system are expected before the next legislative session. He emphasized the importance of ensuring policies align with the best interests of all students.

Hardesty also criticized the influence of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) on West Virginia’s educational framework, asserting that their involvement has led to policies detrimental to public education in the state. He contended that the financial crisis resulting from the loss of students necessitates immediate legislative intervention to ensure the sustainability of public schools and to adequately serve the needs of all students, particularly those with special requirements.

The issues surrounding public school closures in West Virginia reflect broader national trends regarding school choice and funding. With legislative action on the horizon, advocates for public education hope that state lawmakers will respond effectively to the challenges faced by the educational system and ensure that all students have access to quality public schooling.