News Summary
Paul Hardesty, president of the West Virginia Board of Education, has urged lawmakers to address the alarming rise in public school closures. With data showing a significant increase in closures over recent years and a concerning student exodus, Hardesty emphasizes the legislature’s crucial role in revising funding formulas to support struggling public schools. The impact of the Hope Scholarship program and the potential consequences for students with special needs highlight the urgent need for effective educational policies.
Charleston, West Virginia – Paul Hardesty, president of the West Virginia Board of Education, has called for urgent legislative action to address the increasing number of public school closures across the state. During a regular meeting on October 1, 2025, Hardesty expressed grave concerns about the impact of school choice policies that have led to tens of thousands of students leaving public schools over the last decade.
Hardesty emphasized that it is the role of lawmakers, and not education officials, to tackle the issue of school closures. He argued that the legislature holds the necessary oversight power to amend the school aid formula, which could provide essential support to struggling public schools.
Recent data illustrates a worrying trend in public school closures in West Virginia. In 2024 alone, 16 schools closed, a significant increase from the 9 closures in 2023 and 5 in 2022. Moreover, within just the first few months of 2025, five public schools have already ceased operations, as reported by Christy Day from the state’s Department of Education. This wave of closures has placed further strain on remaining schools, highlighting the urgent need for legislative intervention.
Hardesty has identified a “severe misconception” among the public regarding the creation of education laws in West Virginia. He attributes this misunderstanding to a general lack of awareness that such laws are determined by state legislators, not educational officials. The departure of more than 35,000 students from the public school system has exacerbated the financial crisis facing remaining schools, which are now struggling to maintain their operations and educational standards.
One key element in the ongoing debate is the West Virginia Hope Scholarship program, which allocates approximately $5,200 per student to support private education or homeschooling. Hardesty criticized this program, highlighting its lack of regulatory safeguards and its high cost to the state’s education budget. The school voucher program is projected to require around $245 million in funding for the upcoming year, contrasting sharply with the $101 million needed in the current fiscal year—a dramatic increase of $144 million.
Despite the implementation of school choice legislation, Hardesty observed that no updates have been made to the existing school funding model. This stagnation raises concerns over whether public schools can adequately serve students, especially those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) who require additional support. He pointed out that private schools may not be prepared to meet the needs of these students, resulting in a heavier burden on public education systems to cater to children facing greater social and developmental challenges.
Delegate Joe Ellington, the chairman of the House Education Committee, stated that discussions on updating the school funding formula may be premature but noted that evaluations could occur prior to the next legislative session. This cautious approach has raised further concerns among education advocates about the timeline for addressing the looming issues facing West Virginia’s public schools.
Hardesty also took aim at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), suggesting that its influence has instigated detrimental changes to the educational landscape in West Virginia. He urged stakeholders to take serious consideration of the long-term effects that current policies have on the quality and availability of public education in the state.
The escalating crisis in West Virginia public schools calls for immediate and effective legislative action to prevent further closures and ensure that all students receive a quality education. The call to action from Hardesty may serve as a pivotal moment in reassessing the future of public education in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Parents Rally Against Proposed School Closures in Evanston
West Virginia Education Funding Controversy Continues
Kyrene Elementary School District Adjusts Closure Plans
Evanston/Skokie District 65 Considers School Closures
Nightly Closures on Shaw Avenue Due to Construction Work
MnDOT Pauses Roadwork in Honor of Fallen Contractors
Wolves Den Parkway Closure for Repairs
Norfolk School Board Postpones Vote on School Closures
Kyrene Governing Board Faces Backlash Over School Closures
St. Louis Schools Consider Mass Closures Amid Enrollment Crisis
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
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
