Charleston, West Virginia, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Paul Hardesty, president of the West Virginia Board of Education, has called for legislative action amid a troubling trend of increasing public school closures across the state. The rise in closures is attributed to school choice policies leading to significant student attrition, resulting in financial strains on remaining schools. As Hardesty highlights the urgent need for intervention, he emphasizes the critical role of legislative bodies in amending the school funding formula to address the crisis effectively.
Charleston, West Virginia – Paul Hardesty, president of the West Virginia Board of Education, called for legislative action during a meeting on October 1, 2025, in response to the increasing trend of public school closures across the state. Hardesty’s address focused on the influence of school choice policies that have led to tens of thousands of students leaving the public schooling system, posing a significant challenge for remaining schools.
Recent statistics reveal a troubling escalation in school closures in West Virginia, with 16 schools shutting down in 2024, compared to just 9 in 2023 and 5 in 2022. As of this year, five public schools have already closed, according to Christy Day from the state Department of Education. This rapid decline highlights the urgent need for intervention, as Hardesty emphasized that it is legislative bodies, not education officials, that possess the authority to amend the current school funding formula that is contributing to this crisis.
Hardesty pointed out that over the past decade, more than 35,000 students have withdrawn from the public school system. This exodus has created a financial strain on the schools still in operation, creating an environment where quality education could be at risk. Hardesty specifically criticized the West Virginia Hope Scholarship program, which allocates approximately $5,200 per student for private education or homeschooling. He stated that the program lacks necessary regulations and is financially burdensome on the state.
The state’s voucher program is projected to require nearly $245 million in funding for the coming year, reflecting a significant increase of $144 million from the previous fiscal year. Despite the passing of school choice legislation, there has been no synchronization in updating the existing funding models, leaving many public schools in precarious positions without necessary resources.
Additionally, Hardesty raised concerns about the capacity of private schools to accommodate students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), noting that public schools remain a crucial support system for students facing more complex social and developmental challenges. The issue complicates the landscape of educational opportunities for students in West Virginia.
Delegate Joe Ellington, the chairman of the House Education Committee, remarked that while discussions regarding potential updates to the school funding formula may be premature, ongoing evaluations are anticipated before the next legislative session. This comment indicates a recognition of the problem, but also highlights a cautious approach to potential reform.
Hardesty also expressed his concern regarding the influence of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), suggesting that it has played a role in shaping detrimental policies affecting public education in West Virginia. This concern underscores the belief that external organizations may impact legislative outcomes that directly affect the state’s educational structure.
In summary, the rising number of school closures, coupled with significant student attrition and funding challenges, presents a critical situation for West Virginia’s public education system. As state officials continue deliberations on these pressing issues, the path forward remains uncertain, and the implications for students and families continue to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the closures of public schools in West Virginia?
The closures are primarily attributed to increasing school choice policies that have led to tens of thousands of students leaving public schools, creating financial strain on the remaining institutions.
How many public schools have closed in recent years?
In 2024, 16 public schools closed, an increase from 9 closures in 2023 and 5 closures in 2022. As of 2025, there have already been five closures.
What is the West Virginia Hope Scholarship program?
The West Virginia Hope Scholarship program provides around $5,200 per student for private education or homeschooling, which has been criticized for lacking regulatory oversight.
Is there any movement to address school funding in West Virginia?
Delegate Joe Ellington mentioned that while discussions on updating the school funding formula may be premature, ongoing evaluations could take place before the next legislative session.
Key Features of West Virginia School Closures
| Year | Number of School Closures | Students Left Public System | Projected Funding Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | N/A | N/A |
| 2023 | 9 | N/A | N/A |
| 2024 | 16 | N/A | N/A |
| 2025 | 5 (as of October) | 35,000+ | $245 million |
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Additional Resources
- West Virginia Watch: WV School Board President Calls on Legislators to Address School Closures
- Wikipedia: School Choice
- WOWK TV: WV BOE President Urges Legislators to Address School Choice
- Google Search: West Virginia public education
- The Real WV: WV BOE President Tells Lawmakers to Level the Playing Field
- Google Scholar: West Virginia school funding
- WCHS TV: WVA Department of Education Announces School Closings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
- WDTV: WVA Board of Education Confirms School Closures
- Google News: West Virginia school closures
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