Changes could be coming to West Virginia's school funding formula скачать в хорошем качестве

Changes could be coming to West Virginia's school funding formula

A new school funding formula is in the works at the West Virginia Legislature with the hopes of replacing what some lawmakers are calling outdated code. The proposed bill would replace the state’s current formula with a flat, per-student model, hopefully closing the resource gaps between some counties. “We’re trying to make things a little more predictable, easier to understand and also address potential problems that are already existing or that we may encounter in the future,” Del. Joe Ellington, the bill’s sponsor, said. House Bill 5453 will shift funding away from the state’s current multi-step formula and toward a funding model based on per-student. The state previously operated on a 1,400 student model where schools with less than 1,400 students received extra funding. By moving around funding, larger schools would be more fairly funded. Counties would now receive $6,500 per student with a new minimum funding floor, meaning counties with fewer than 1,200 students would still be funded at a certain level, protecting smaller counties. “There’s no perfect way to do it,” Ellington said. “At the beginning when we’re looking at current funding, we’re looking at a $3,000 difference per pupil. That’s a big, wide range. You have some taxpayers subsidizing a lot of other counties.” The previous model took smaller schools' low-income student population into account, which is why the 1,400 model was used. The new model suggests that low-income students are across the state and by moving funding, there can be a supplemental school aid fund. That funding would help counties cover higher-cost needs, including those for special needs students. “We’re leaving the county boards to utilize the funds how they feel appropriate for their counties, and they’re responsible for that,” Ellington said. Supporters of the change said it could reduce funding gaps between counties, but some districts could see less money. Lawmakers are discussing a three-year period to ease the transition. “We wanted to create a fund that had stability, but also can modify on a supplemental fund as we need to, and to give the counties more authority over the usage of those funds,” Ellington said. “But also the accountability, and for the oversight from the legislature, to make sure that those funds are invested properly.” The new model would also allow for requesting extra support for things like transportation and pilot programs. The funding model would be reviewed annually and would take effect beginning in the 2027-28 school year, if approved. The bill has passed through the House Education Committee and sent to the House Finance Committee. It would need to pass the full House of Delegates, as well as the Senate before heading to the governor’s desk. FULL STORY: https://wchstv.com/news/local/changes... _________________________________________ For the latest local and national news, visit our website: https://wchstv.com/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://wchstv.com/sign-up Follow WCHS-TV on social media: Facebook:   / eyewitnessnewscharleston   Twitter:   / wchs8fox11​   Instagram:   / wchs8fox11