WV HB5369

Establishes the "West Virginia Rural School Protection Act" creating heightened standards for closing or consolidating rural schools located in counties with fewer than 100 persons per square mile, schools more than 15 road miles from the nearest same-grade school, or sole school facilities in an attendance area

Requires county boards to prepare a rural school closure impact statement at least 90 days before any vote, including projected transportation times, 10-year enrollment trends, cost comparisons, and analysis of alternatives to closure

Mandates a two-thirds supermajority vote by the county board of education plus voter ratification at a statewide primary or general election, with provisions for petition-triggered referenda if 25% of registered voters in the affected area submit signatures within 45 days

Sets mandatory maximum one-way student transportation times of 30 minutes for elementary students and 40 minutes for middle and high school students, with limited waiver authority requiring State Board approval

Creates a rural school preservation funding weight in the state school aid formula and requires forensic audits by the State Auditor for counties recommending school closures if legislative review finds potential waste or mismanagement