CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A statewide education coalition is urging lawmakers to halt school closures after nearly 20 West Virginia schools were placed at risk amid widespread district budget deficits.
Together for Public Schools West Virginia says a moratorium is needed while the state revises its school aid funding formula, which currently does not account for rising special education costs — a key factor pushing almost every county into deficit spending this year.
Volunteer Avery Thrush said a temporary pause would give districts time to stabilize. Researchers hired by lawmakers recommended increased funding for special‑education‑heavy districts and tighter controls on the Hope Scholarship, but no legislative action followed.
Advocates warn closures disproportionately harm rural students, children with disabilities and young elementary students facing long bus rides.
