Charleston, West Virginia, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Paul Hardesty, president of the West Virginia Board of Education, is urging legislative measures to address public school funding amid a growing school choice controversy. As enrollment in public schools declines, Hardesty emphasizes the need for public understanding of educational laws and equitable treatment among various educational options. Despite rising school choice, concerns about the impact on public funding and the need for revising the school aid formula have been highlighted, with predictions of continuing enrollment declines and school closures looming.
Charleston, West Virginia – West Virginia Board of Education president Paul Hardesty is calling for legislative action regarding public school funding and regulation in light of a growing school choice controversy. His statements come as the state faces criticism for misconceptions about education laws and declining public school enrollment.
Hardesty emphasized the importance of public understanding regarding the creation and enforcement of state education laws. He clarified that the West Virginia School Laws book is not authored by the Board or the Department of Education, addressing a common misunderstanding among the public.
Over the past decade, nearly 35,000 students have transitioned from public schools to private schools and homeschooling options, a shift Hardesty acknowledges without opposing the concept of school choice. However, he raises concerns about the impact this trend has on public school enrollment and funding, advocating for a revision of the school aid formula to support struggling public school systems.
In support of Hardesty’s statements, Senator Patricia Rucker pointed out that the legislature should not bear the blame for under-enrollment, noting that school consolidations have been a practice in the state for decades. Delegate Joe Satlar echoed this sentiment, indicating that finding solutions to the school aid formula is complex and will take time to address.
Recent enrollment statistics indicate worsening trends, with West Virginia continuing to experience school consolidations. Sixteen public schools are expected to close in 2024, up from nine closures the previous year. Hardesty has pointed out disparities in regulations between public schools, charter schools, and homeschooling, asserting a need for equitable treatment among the various educational options available to students.
The Hope Scholarship program, which provides financial assistance for homeschooling and nonpublic education, currently has a budget of less than $100 million for the ongoing school year. This budget is anticipated to increase to approximately $245 million by the 2026-2027 school year, raising questions about the long-term viability of public schools if oversight is not adequately maintained. Hardesty warned that unregulated school choice programs could jeopardize the financial stability of public education.
Particularly troubling is the current funding formula, which allocates state funds based on student enrollment numbers. The loss of students due to shifts towards private schooling significantly influences these allocations, creating potential financial challenges for public schools. Moreover, Hardesty highlighted that students with the most severe educational challenges are often remaining in public schools, placing an additional strain on their resources.
Discussions surrounding legislative actions to address these issues are expected to take place in future meetings, with the next Board meeting scheduled for November 12, 2025. As enrollment projections indicate a decline to less than 241,000 students for the current year, stakeholders remain apprehensive about the direction in which West Virginia’s education system is headed.
FAQ Section
What is the main concern raised by Paul Hardesty regarding public schools in West Virginia?
Paul Hardesty emphasizes that the rise in school choice, including private schools and homeschooling, causes a significant drop in public school enrollment, threatening the funding and stability of public schools.
How has West Virginia’s public school enrollment changed in recent years?
West Virginia has seen a decline in public school enrollment, with projections indicating fewer than 241,000 students for the current year and numerous school consolidations occurring.
What is the Hope Scholarship program?
The Hope Scholarship program offers financial assistance for families choosing homeschooling or nonpublic education options, with a budget that is expected to increase significantly over the next few years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Roane County Board Proposes School Consolidation
Additional Resources
- WSAZ: West Virginia BOE President Calls for School Choice Guardrails
- News and Sentinel: West Virginia Board of Education President Challenges Lawmakers
- WOWK TV: West Virginia BOE President Urges Legislators on School Choice
- Wikipedia: Education in West Virginia
- K-12 Dive: Private School Choice Participation Increase
- Google Search: West Virginia Education Funding
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