SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 61

(By Senators Nelson and Roberts)

[Introduced April 5, 2021]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the feasibility of consolidating county boards of education to provide efficiencies and direct cost savings which may be used to increase spending per pupil and teacher salaries.

Whereas, West Virginia’s educational system consists of 55 separate county boards of education.  Each county board has its own organizational structure and is responsible for multiple administrative functions, including finance, transportation, facilities maintenance, personnel, and technology; and

Whereas, From the 2013-2014 to the 2020-2021 school years, West Virginia’s K-12 enrollment has declined approximately 10 percent, from 281,013 to 252,357 students; and

Whereas, If these population trends continue on their current trajectory, the student population will continue to decrease, along with the funding associated with their attendance. As such, plans must be laid to increase efficiency in the systems that currently serve West Virginia students. In order for West Virginia students to thrive, they must have the resources to do so.  By eliminating unnecessary duplication of services by combining county boards of education, districts will free up resources that can more directly benefit students and teachers; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance undertake a study the feasibility of consolidating county boards of education to provide efficiencies and direct cost savings which may be used to increase spending per pupil and teacher salaries; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study include the appropriateness and feasibility of consolidating school boards over a span of three to seven years; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study include examining the feasibility of combining each consolidated county’s school board into one regional school board through the following method:  At the initial consolidation of the county boards, each county could retain all five board members, who would remain a part of the combined board; at the next general election, each county could elect only four board members; and in the subsequent general elections, the counties could reduce their board membership by one seat per county per general election until the school board is reduced to a more appropriate number of members; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study include an examination of the creation of an Office of Superintendents that would include county superintendents from all of the consolidated counties; and the superintendents nominating one superintendent who, with the appropriate approval of the board, would lead the office and be designated the regional superintendent; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the study examine potential financial incentives to aid in the consolidation process, provide additional funding for maintenance budgets and new school improvements, provide for increased compensation or per diem for existing board members and administrators; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the study include the economic effects of county board consolidation, including the proposed savings that could be redirected to increase per-pupil spending and supplemental pay to teachers; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the study specifically include examining the feasibility of a pilot project that would combine county boards of education; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2022, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation or resolutions necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from the legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.