Charleston, West Virginia, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Paul Hardesty, president of the West Virginia Board of Education, has raised alarms over the increasing number of public school closures due to school choice policies. Hardesty called for changes to the school aid formula as closures reached 16 in one year, resulting in the loss of over 35,000 students. He criticized existing educational funding challenges, the impact on students with Individualized Education Plans, and the financial strain on public schools. The conversation regarding sustainable funding for education continues as legislators evaluate potential changes.
Charleston, West Virginia – During a meeting on October 1, 2025, Paul Hardesty, the president of the West Virginia Board of Education, addressed the growing concern over the increasing number of public school closures in the state. Hardesty pointed out that the trend is largely a result of school choice policies, which have led to a significant exodus of students from public schools over the past decade. He urged lawmakers to take responsibility and act to change the existing school aid formula, which he believes is exacerbating the crisis.
According to Hardesty, 16 public schools were closed in West Virginia in 2024, a sharp increase from 9 closures in 2023 and 5 in 2022. As of 2025, five schools have already shut their doors this year. This alarming trend is attributed to the departure of over 35,000 students from public schools, which is straining the financial resources of the remaining institutions.
Hardesty highlighted a prevalent misconception among the public regarding the authority of education officials versus legislators. He emphasized that it is the state legislature that creates and regulates education laws, calling for broader public awareness of this distinction. The West Virginia Hope Scholarship program, which provides approximately $5,200 per student for private education or homeschooling, was also criticized by Hardesty for lacking sufficient regulatory measures and imposing an additional financial burden on the state’s education budget.
As the school voucher program is projected to require around $245 million in funding for the upcoming year, this marks a troubling increase of $144 million from the current budget year. Despite the introduction of school choice legislation, Hardesty asserted that there have been no adjustments made to the current funding model for public education, which he feels needs urgent attention.
Concerns were also raised regarding the capacity of private schools to accommodate students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), who often require more intensive support. Hardesty noted that leaving these students behind increases the burdens on public schools, which are still facing their own financial struggles.
Delegate Joe Ellington, chair of the House Education Committee, stated that while discussions surrounding the school funding formula are not currently prioritized, ongoing evaluations may lead to potential changes before the next legislative session. However, Hardesty warned that the influence of organizations like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) over the legislative framework for schools could lead to detrimental outcomes for public education in West Virginia.
Background on School Closures and Legislation
The rise in public school closures speaks to a larger issue with education funding in West Virginia. Over the past decade, the combination of charter school expansion and the Hope Scholarship program has shifted student numbers away from traditional public schools, leaving many institutions struggling to survive. While these legislative changes were intended to empower parents through choice, the resulting impacts have raised critical questions about the sustainability of public education in the state.
The ongoing conversation about the funding model for public schools remains vital, as stakeholders seek solutions to these challenges. As education officials continue to call for a reevaluation of funding practices and aim to clarify the role of lawmakers versus educational administration, the community is left to ponder the future of education in the Mountain State.
Key Statistics on School Closures in West Virginia
| Year | Number of School Closures | Cumulative Student Exodus |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | N/A |
| 2023 | 9 | N/A |
| 2024 | 16 | 35,000+ |
| 2025 (to date) | 5 | 35,000+ |
FAQs
What are the main causes of public school closures in West Virginia?
The main causes include school choice policies that have led to significant student exits from public schools, resulting in financial strain for the remaining schools.
How many schools closed in West Virginia in recent years?
In 2022, 5 schools closed; in 2023, 9 closed; and in 2024, 16 schools were shut down. Additionally, 5 schools have already closed in 2025.
What financial impact does the school closure trend have on remaining public schools?
The departure of over 35,000 students has placed a financial burden on the remaining public schools, leading to concerns about their sustainability and capacity to serve students with specialized educational needs.
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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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