The West Virginia House of Delegates has approved a bill that would transfer decision-making power over public school policies from the state Board of Education to the legislature. The proposal, which passed with an 84-12 vote, now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Currently, the state Board of Education consists of nine members appointed by the governor. When no specific legislation exists on a particular rule or policy, the board has the authority to establish guidelines with input from the state Department of Education.
A similar measure was presented to voters in 2022 through a constitutional amendment, which sought to grant lawmakers the ultimate say over education policies. However, the amendment was rejected by the public.
Delegate Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, voiced strong opposition to the bill, arguing that it disregards the will of the people.
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“In 2022, voters clearly rejected this proposal, yet here we are trying to push it through anyway,” Pushkin said.
On the other hand, Delegate Michael Hornby, R-Berkeley, who sponsored the bill, suggested that the previous vote did not reflect an accurate measure of public support. He claimed political circumstances at the time, particularly those involving the state’s former governor, may have influenced the outcome.
“It was on the ballot, but other political factors played a role,” Hornby said. “In my county, voters overwhelmingly supported it.”
Pushkin also raised concerns that the bill conflicts with existing state Supreme Court rulings. Hornby acknowledged this but argued that passing the legislation could prompt the courts to reassess those legal precedents.
“I believe the Supreme Court has made incorrect decisions in the past, and this could be an opportunity to revisit the issue,” Hornby said.
With its passage in the House, the bill now awaits debate and a possible vote in the Senate. If approved, it could significantly reshape how education policies are created and implemented in West Virginia .