School voucher funding vs. public school investment
West Virginia's 2026 legislative session saw the state fully fund its school voucher program to nearly $300 million, while plans to increase public school funding were significantly scaled back. A $45 million special education funding proposal was cut to $8 million and delayed. Critics argue state priorities favor private school choice over public education investment.
Should West Virginia prioritize funding for public schools or school voucher programs?
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Sources
Mountain State Spotlight — https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/03/15/2026-legislative-session-wrap-up
Instead, lawmakers fully funded the state's school voucher program to the tune of almost $300 million. Plans to increase public school funding languished. Ambitious packages, amounting to more than $200 million, were watered down and delayed. Eventually, Senate Finance trimmed a $45 million proposal for additional special education funding to $8 million.
Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia — https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/03/16/west-virginia-2026-budget
Williams, the Democrat from Monongalia, said this budget and past years budgets aren't addressing the issues faced by everyday people.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Redirect voucher funding entirely back into public schools, prioritizing equitable education for all students.
- Significantly increase public school funding before expanding or fully funding voucher programs.
- Fund both public schools and voucher programs equally, ensuring no program is cut to benefit the other.
- Maintain current voucher funding levels while gradually improving public school budgets as surplus allows.
- Fully fund and expand school vouchers; competition drives improvement and families deserve educational choice.