WV SB897

Creates a Community School Support Fund within the Department of Education with $5 million annually to support community schools at risk of consolidation or closure due to declining enrollment and operational challenges

Schools that qualified for Federal Title I funding during the 2023-2024 school year and face closure or consolidation automatically qualify for assistance up to 20% of their total operating costs

Requires the State Superintendent of Schools to identify savings and efficiencies within the Department of Education budget to fund the account

Local School Improvement Councils (LSICs) must submit applications for their schools to receive fund assistance

Exempts qualifying schools from compliance with school funding formula requirements for professional and service personnel, and authorizes use of Step 7 funds for personnel, facility operations, and other expenses