WV HB4572

County boards may designate existing public schools as "Rural Innovation Schools" if they were proposed for closure within three years, have enrollment below state thresholds, or are geographically isolated with unreasonable busing conditions

Participating schools receive charter school-style flexibilities including class-size waivers, certification flexibility, exemption from seniority rules, local hiring discretion, and calendar/scheduling autonomy

Schools in the pilot program gain budget repurposing authority and curricular flexibility while remaining governed by the county board rather than a separate charter board

Accountability requires a performance agreement with the West Virginia Public Charter School Board on a three-year review cycle, with an option to revert to traditional status

Schools closed or consolidated within the past two years may apply to reopen under this pilot program if facilities are safe and the county demonstrates viability