Press Release: West Virginia Charter School Board Considers Converting Schools to Charter Status Amid Closures
Charleston, WV — The West Virginia Professional Charter School Board (PCSB) is exploring options for parents affected by recent school closures and consolidations. During a recent virtual meeting, Executive Director James Paul revealed that parents from Randolph and Wetzel counties have approached the PCSB about converting traditional public schools into public charter schools as a means to preserve them.
Randolph County’s proposed closures include Harman School and Pickens School, while Wetzel County plans to consolidate Paden City High School and Hundred High School with existing schools. In light of these challenges, Paul highlighted the possibility of conversion charter schools as a solution, which is permitted under the state’s charter school law.
House Bill 206, enacted in 2019 and revised in 2021, established a pilot program enabling the creation of up to 10 new public charter schools every three years. This law allows existing traditional schools to convert into charter schools, ensuring enrollment for current students and prioritizing local applicants.
With state enrollment figures showing a decline to 241,024 students this year and anticipated school closures due to budget constraints, the interest in charter school conversion is gaining traction. Paul noted that preliminary discussions with concerned parents indicate a desire to maintain their existing schools.
The PCSB asserts that the conversion process includes forming governing boards and securing financial viability. PCSB Chairman Adam Kissell emphasized the advantages of conversion schools, which already possess facilities and staff.
Board members expressed optimism about the conversion initiative, viewing it as a creative approach to ensuring educational access in communities at risk of losing their local schools. As deadlines for charter school applications approach, discussions of potential legislative changes to support conversion schools are expected in the 2025 session.
For more information, contact Steven Allen Adams at sadams@newsandsentinel.com.
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