Board reviews first reading of Hope Scholarship policy changes; staff to return with updates
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Summary
At first reading the board discussed revisions to the KCS Series C02 Hope Scholarship policy to separate homeschool rules, change extracurricular reimbursement to 1/12 of the scholarship rate, retain a 1/7 rate for courses, and add an enrollment block for outstanding fees. Staff said changes were cleared with the West Virginia Department of Education.
The board heard a first reading of a proposed revision to Kanawha County Schools’ Series C02 policy governing education service providers that accept students using the Hope Scholarship.
Legal counsel (Miss McIntosh) said the draft removes homeschool students from this policy because Hope Scholarship students are paid from a different funding source and require distinct handling. She described a change to extracurricular reimbursement — setting the rate at one‑twelfth of the annual scholarship rate — while retaining a one‑seventh rate for courses. "We lowered the rate [for extracurriculars] after talking to the WVDE," she said, and added that the district had clarified the changes with the West Virginia Department of Education.
Miss McIntosh also reported staff added a provision to address unpaid fees: if a student owes outstanding fees at the end of the year, the district may decline to enroll that student at the beginning of the following year to avoid retroactive billing complications. She stressed the policy will likely continue to evolve as the state issues further guidance and the legislative session begins in January.
The item was presented for first reading and no board action was taken. Staff indicated they would return with final recommended language after additional review and any further WVDE guidance or legislative changes.
What comes next: The policy will return to the board for subsequent readings and final action pending continued state guidance and any legislative changes in the upcoming session.