West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia SB1024: Allowing rescission or reversal of school closure decisions through July 15
Status: Passed one chamber, March 2, 2026
What the bill says
To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §18-5-22f, relating to county boards of education; authorizing rescission or reversal of school closure decisions through July 15; establishing procedures; and providing legislative findings. article 5. county boards of education. §18-5-22f. Authority of county board to reverse school closure decision prior to July 15. (a) Legislative findings. The Legislature finds (2) County boards of education should retain flexibility to reconsider closure decisions when new financial, enrollment, facility, or.
From the introduced text, February 20, 2026:
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §18-5-22f, relating to county boards of education; authorizing rescission or reversal of school closure decisions through July 15; establishing procedures; and providing legislative findings. article 5. county boards of education. §18-5-22f. Authority of county board to reverse school closure decision prior to July 15. (a) Legislative findings. The Legislature finds (2) County boards of education should retain flexibility to reconsider closure decisions when new financial, enrollment, facility, or community information becomes available; and (3) Establishing a uniform deadline promotes transparency and certainty prior to the start of each school year. (b) Reversal authority. Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, a county board of education that has voted to permanently close a public school facility for a forthcoming school year may rescind or reverse that decision by majority vote of the board at any time on or before July 15 of the same calendar year. (c) Effect of reversal. Upon reversal of a closure (2) The county board shall promptly notify the State Superintendent of Schools and the State Board of Education of the action; and (3) The county board shall take reasonable administrative steps to reinstate staffing, student assignment, transportation, and budgeting necessary to operate the school. (d) Procedure. A reversal …