The West Virginia House Finance Committee has cut $1.25 million in school safety funding, arguing that local counties have enough in reserve to cover the costs of safety improvements like secure entries and weapon detection systems.
This decision comes as school leaders across the state say they can’t afford the $258 million needed for safety upgrades. According to a report from the state Department of Education, 272 schools still lack safe entry systems, also called “mantraps,” which include two interlocking doors and a controlled access system.
“It’s very disappointing to think that at any time we would say we need less money for children’s safety,” said Mickey Blackwell, director of the Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals.
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Committee Justifies Cuts Citing Local Surpluses
The committee removed the funding from House Bill 3369, originally proposed by Gov. Patrick Morrisey. The money was meant to be spent by the end of the fiscal year for urgent school safety measures.
Del. Clay Riley (R-Harrison) defended the decision by pointing to $784 million in unencumbered county funds, stating:
“There’s money in the county… I don’t think this modification will impact the ability to provide safe schools.”
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Del. Joe Statler (R-Monongalia) added that counties keep coming to the Legislature for more help, even though some have what he called “pretty healthy war chests.”
Counties Say They’re Struggling
Local educators and school finance experts, however, say the reality is more complex. Dale Lee, president of the West Virginia Education Association, said many counties are facing severe financial challenges, citing widespread teacher layoffs and Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications.
“There may be a few counties that have some money,” Lee said, “but a large majority don’t have the funds to sustain. You can’t put a price on student safety.”
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Blackwell added:
“Most of our counties are working very hard to break even.”
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The cut leaves only $600,000 in surplus funding in the bill, which counties or charter schools can tap into if student enrollment exceeds estimates.
Lawmakers Advance Other Safety Bills
While funding remains debated, lawmakers are still pushing legislation focused on school safety:
- House Bill 2164: Allows schools to hire School Safety Officers (SSOs)—retired law enforcement who may carry firearms and detain suspects but not arrest them.
- House Bill 3209: Would require schools to have one counselor per 250–300 students in elementary and 400–450 in high schools, acknowledging that mental health support is also a safety measure.
- House Bill 2187: A controversial bill to allow teachers to carry concealed firearms remains stalled in committee.
As the Legislature wraps up its session, school safety funding remains one of the most debated issues. While some lawmakers say the money already exists at the county level, educators warn the state can’t afford to gamble with student safety.
