FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 16, 2026
Time Requested: 03:21 PM

2165	Introduced	SB442
Agency:	Education, WV Department of
CBD Number:	Version:	Bill Number:	Resolution Number:
CBD Subject:	Education (K12)

FUND(S):

N/A

Sources of Revenue:

Other Fund County Boards of Education

Legislation creates:

Creates New Expense, Increases Existing Expenses

Fiscal Note Summary

Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.

In its current form, this legislation may require the creation of homeless education coordinator positions within county school systems, which could result in increased expenditures for salaries, benefits, training, and administrative support. The bill does not generate new revenue; therefore, any fiscal impact would be on the expenditure side and may require additional appropriations depending on implementation decisions and county needs. Based on current classifications, up to 25 LEAs and/or charter schools designated as urban may require a full-time coordinator, while up to 35 LEAs and/or charter schools designated as rural may require a part-time coordinator. This bill does not have any fiscal impact on the West Virginia Department of Education or the West Virginia Board of Education; however, the estimated cost is $3,504,025.55 that would be borne by the various county boards of education.

Fiscal Note Detail

Effect of Proposal	Fiscal Year
Effect of Proposal	2026 Increase/Decrease (use"-")	2027 Increase/Decrease (use"-")	Fiscal Year (Upon Full Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost	350,402,555	350,402,555	350,402,555
Personal Services	0	0	0
Current Expenses	0	0	0
Repairs and Alterations	0	0	0
Assets	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0
2. Estimated Total Revenues	0	0	0

Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):

This legislation would require the creation of homeless education coordinator positions in county school systems, which could result in increased expenditures for each district. Personal services costs may increase to support salaries and benefits for up to 25 full-time coordinators in urban LEAs and charter schools and up to 35 part-time coordinators in rural LEAs and charter schools. One-time start-up costs could include recruitment, initial training, and equipment, while ongoing costs could include annual salaries, benefits, and professional development. Current expenses may increase to support basic operational needs such as office supplies and communications, and minimal costs may be incurred for minor facility modifications. Asset-related expenses may include computers, phones, and office furniture, with ongoing costs limited to maintenance or replacement. Additional costs may also be associated with required travel and training. The legislation would not generate new revenue; therefore, any fiscal impact would be entirely on the expenditure side. Costs may be higher in the initial year due to start-up activities and are expected to stabilize in subsequent years at ongoing salary and operational levels. Assumptions are based on existing state salary schedules, LEA budget data for comparable positions, and standard administrative cost estimates, with no offsetting revenue anticipated. For the purposes of this fiscal note, only salary costs are included, as salary is the sole requirement explicitly outlined in the bill.

Memorandum

While the bill outlines duties for the homeless education coordinator, it does not specify minimum qualifications, salary parameters, hours of employment for part-time positions (for purposes of cost calculations, a 0.5 FTE assumption was used), or implementation timelines, all of which affect fiscal assumptions. The absence of an identified funding source or a requirement for additional appropriations further contributes to uncertainty regarding the overall fiscal impact. Additionally, while the bill references the employment of a homeless education coordinator in each county, it does not clearly indicate whether charter schools are required to participate. The bill also requires counties to be designated as urban or rural based on MSA classifications; however, some counties designated as rural under this structure serve higher percentages and total numbers of students experiencing homelessness than counties designated as urban, yet would only be required to employ a part-time coordinator. As a result, implementation decisions and associated fiscal impacts may vary based on administrative interpretation rather than explicit statutory requirements.

Person submitting Fiscal Note: Tina Payne
Email Address: tina.a.payne@k12.wv.us