WV SB437

Repeals the existing public school support funding formula (§18-9A-1 through §18-9A-9) and replaces it with a new weighted student funding system that calculates state aid based on per-pupil amounts, local revenue capacity, and equity adjustments

Establishes student weighting factors for funding: general education (1.00), low-income (+0.30), special education (+0.80), English language learners (+0.40), career/technical education (+0.15), at-risk early learners (+0.20), and rural small-school adjustments (+0.10 to +0.25)

Creates a Rural Isolation Factor providing $250–$600 supplemental per-pupil funding for counties meeting criteria such as population density below 50 persons per square mile, average bus routes over 15 miles, or enrollment under 2,000 students

Caps state aid between 90% and 115% of the statewide average per pupil, and limits annual funding losses to 3% during the first three years through a Rural Stability Fund

Takes effect July 1, 2026, with a three-year phase-in through FY2028, guaranteeing no county receives less than its FY2025 total state aid