‘We cannot wait’: West Virginia Dems call for special session to address school funding

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — West Virginia’s Democratic lawmakers say public education is facing a growing financial crisis, echoing warnings from state school officials.

“We have officially as House Democrats requested a special session. We can not wait,” Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, said. “If we wait to the legislative session, there will be more schools that close.”

Democrats want to change the enrollment based school aid formula, place guardrails on the Hope Scholarship and increase the minimum starting salary for teachers.

More than 100 West Virginia schools have closed over the last 15 years. Most of those closings have involved elementary schools impacting neighborhoods and small towns.

Democrats said 20 more schools are on the chopping block.

Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey recognizes formula changes may be needed but did not seem in a rush when interviewed prior to the Democrats’ announcement.

“Well, we will look at them,” Morrisey said Thursday. “We want to find ways to solve the root causes of the problem. That’s what matters.”

Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, called for Morrisey to take action, arguing education issues can’t wait until next year.

“Once he gets his fair share of funnel cake and the Ferris wheel is packed off and goes to the next town, it’s time for us to get back to work, governor,” Pushkin said. “Call us back into special session. This cannot wait until the next session. We are in a crisis mode right now. We’ve got to save our schools and save our communities. We’re ready to get back to work and take up these important pieces of legislation.”

State education officials recently warned some county school systems could be headed toward financial insolvency without additional funding.