WVEdTalk

This week on WVEdTalk, Randy Black examines a major development in West Virginia education as the State Board of Education declares the state’s existing public school funding formula constitutionally inadequate and proposes a $2 billion overhaul. The episode explores how funding challenges are contributing to school closures in Boone County, staffing cuts in Harrison County, and the growing list of schools at risk across the state. Randy also discusses a community victory in Taylor County, where public opposition helped halt the proposed closure of Flemington Elementary while lawmakers consider changes that could better support rural schools. 

The episode also looks at the growing legal and financial debate surrounding the HOPE Scholarship as projected spending rises and public school districts struggle to balance their budgets. Randy examines aging school infrastructure following a water main break that forced the temporary closure of a Marion County school, along with Ohio County’s community-based efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism. Student health is another focus, as a confirmed MRSA outbreak in Wyoming County disrupted school operations and prompted additional precautions for athletic facilities in neighboring Monroe County. 

To close, Randy highlights positive developments expanding educational opportunities for West Virginia students. Marshall University’s Marshall for All initiative is helping students pursue college degrees without student loan debt, while a new $9 million federal grant will support college and career guidance in high-need high schools through the ACEWV initiative. The episode also previews upcoming decisions that could shape education policy in 2027, including the state’s proposed funding overhaul and ongoing legal challenges. 

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This week on WVEdTalk, Randy Black examines the financial pressures driving school closures and consolidations across West Virginia. From Boone County’s decision to close several schools to declining enrollment and potential staffing cuts in Randolph County, the episode explores how the state’s funding formula affects local districts. Randy also looks at Harrison County’s financial emergency and Fayette County’s completion of a decade-long school rebuilding effort, highlighting the difficult balance between preserving community schools and providing modern, safe learning environments.


The episode examines several developments with the potential to reshape education policy, including a lawsuit challenging West Virginia’s K–12 school funding formula and a state Supreme Court case involving religious exemptions to school vaccination requirements. Randy also discusses building safety concerns in Cabell County, school closures related to infections in Wyoming County, Marshall University’s warning about declining numbers of college-age students, and questions about the long-term workforce impact of the WV Invest Grant.


Despite these challenges, there are positive developments across the state. Jefferson County Schools reports a 21% reduction in chronic absenteeism, a statewide philanthropic initiative is delivering classroom supplies to public schools, and the new Mountain Moves board game introduces middle school students to West Virginia’s geography, economy, and history. The episode also previews upcoming state education decisions and highlights opportunities for listeners to support WVEdTalk and submit stories for consideration.

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This week on WVEdTalk, Randy Black examines the growing debate over how West Virginia regulates and funds education. The episode looks at the stark difference between public and private school regulations, the rapid expansion of the HOPE Scholarship, and a new lawsuit challenging the state’s nearly 50-year-old school funding formula.

The episode also explores two major legal battles before the West Virginia Supreme Court, including the fight over the independence of the State Board of Education. Randy looks at how funding pressures are contributing to school closure decisions in Boone County, while a proposed policy change in Hancock County demonstrates how local educators can influence decisions affecting their working conditions.

The episode also highlights efforts to address West Virginia’s teacher shortage, including a new WVU initiative focused on recruiting teachers from their own communities and a $2.6 million STEAM Innovation Alliance. Randy wraps up with upcoming education decisions to watch and a positive story from Raleigh County, where every student will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2026–27 school year.

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Have a news story you think should be used for the podcast? Submit it to use at https://wvedtalk.com/submit.

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This week on WVEdTalk, Randy Black examines a pivotal legal battle over who ultimately controls West Virginia’s public schools as the state Supreme Court considers the balance of authority between the Legislature and the State Board of Education. The episode also looks at the state’s proposed wave of 19 school closures, including developments in Raleigh, Randolph, and Mingo counties, along with lawsuits involving the closure of Harmon K-12 and the expansion of the HOPE Scholarship.

Student safety is also in focus as new data from Kanawha County raises concerns about the connection between chronic absenteeism and students being withdrawn for homeschooling. Randy examines the renewed push for Raley’s Law and the debate over how the state can protect vulnerable children while preserving parents’ rights. The episode also explores efforts to keep students and workers in West Virginia, including WVU’s new direct-admission initiative, a $15 million federal grant for community and technical colleges, and a new program aimed at addressing the state’s teacher shortage.

The episode closes with some good news from across the state, including a statewide effort to enroll 44,000 children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the recognition of Ashley Smith of Parkersburg South High School as West Virginia’s 2026 History Teacher of the Year. These stories provide a reminder that alongside the major challenges facing West Virginia education, there are also innovative programs and educators making a positive difference.

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Have a news story you think should be used for the podcast? Submit it to use at https://wvedtalk.com/submit.

Support WVEdTalk by visiting the support page on our website at https://wvedtalk.com/support.

In the debut episode of WV Ed Talk, Randy Black looks at several stories shaping education across West Virginia, including school closures, declining enrollment, and the growing number of educational options available to families. The episode examines developments in Logan County, Huntington, and Randolph County, including a proposed charter school and changes in HOPE Scholarship participation.

The episode also explores teacher recruitment, career and technical education, and the challenges facing communities as they balance changing enrollment with the need to maintain and improve school facilities. Randy discusses the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholarship, recent investments in school construction, and U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s recent visit to West Virginia.

To wrap up, Randy looks ahead at several stories to watch, including developments in Harrison and Brooke counties, the proposed WISH Academy charter school, the ongoing legal fight surrounding Harmon School and the HOPE Scholarship, and West Virginia’s upcoming October 1 enrollment count.

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