Education leaders tell Senate Finance special‑education shortfall strains counties; new WVEIS RFP estimated $8–10M
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Summary
Superintendent Black said counties face an estimated $245M special‑education shortfall, the department has an RFP for a new WVEIS system estimated at $8–10M (statewide), and the HOPE scholarship funding entries in the appropriation booklet were corrected to reconcile a $40M/ $7M discrepancy.
State Superintendent Black briefed the Senate Finance Committee on the Department of Education budget and a cluster of operational pressures facing counties.
On student achievement, Black said the Third Grade Success Act shows measurable gains in reading and numeracy for early grades after pandemic recovery investments. On funding, Black said counties report roughly a $245,000,000 gap between special education costs and state aid; the department said counties are meeting federally required services (IDEA) by shifting local resources but that continuing trends — and a rise in the special education share from roughly 18% to 21% over three years — are not sustainable long term.
Black explained a corrected appropriation booklet clarifies a prior discrepancy where a $40,000,000 teacher retirement line appeared inconsistent with the governor’s $7,000,000 recommendation; she said full funding is shown across other lines, including an additional $17,000,000 in lottery funds, and the department will supply detail to members.
On IT modernization, Black said the department has an RFP out for the new statewide WVEIS financial system, estimated preliminary implementation costs of $8–10 million and approximately $1 million a year in ongoing costs; she said the procurement would be statewide so counties should not be required to buy separate licenses. Black also described targeted program funding: an ongoing commitment to computer science training and the continued rollout of the HOPE scholarship.
When asked about immediate local pressures, Black said the department fronted Hancock County’s June state aid payment to meet payroll; she estimated Hancock will need about $3,100,000 to get through the fiscal year if tax collections are normal. The department promised to provide requested line‑item details, award lists for past teacher‑leader grants and follow‑up financial breakdowns.