West Virginia Charters Expected to Gain 1,000 Students

The opening of four charter schools in West Virginia has generated controversy  in the Mountain State.

West Virginia's school laws were changed three years ago, allowing lawmakers to pass a bill to increase the number of charter schools authorized every three years.

These four charter schools include two traditional physical locations and two virtual charter schools. Among those schools, the West Virginia Academy will open up in Morgantown, enrolling over 400 students. Similarly, the Eastern Preparatory Academy will open in Jefferson County, enrolling over 200 students. In addition, two other virtual schools will open for students with internet access.

According to  House Bill 2012 submitted to the West Virginia Legislature, "Public charter schools are intended to empower new, innovative, and more flexible ways of educating all children within the public school system." The House bill stipulates that beginning on July 1, 2023, the state can allow up to 10 additional charter schools to open every three years.

Those who favor these charter schools assert that these charter schools will allow students to receive individualized education. However, those who are against these charter schools contend that these schools will take out money from already underfunded public schools.

Opening new charter schools certainly has a critical impact on public schools. For example, public schools are funded based on the number of students they have. Thus, as the students leave public schools for charter schools, the funding goes away too. According to the Mountain States Spotlight, "Over 350 students are expected to leave public schools in Monongalia County in the fall, which will mean a loss of more than $2 million for the school district."

James Paul, an advocate of charter schools, argues that charter schools would be an alternative for parents who are fed up with the traditional public school. In an interview with the Mountain States Spotlight, Paul added, "Charter Schools would address equity issues in West Virginia by offering students options outside their school district." On the other hand, the critics of charter schools argue that they will create further disparities.

- S. Karn