Monongalia County schools levy backers brief Morgantown council ahead of May renewal vote

Morgantown— A community coalition representing Monongalia County Schools presented to the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday to ask for council support for renewal of the Monongalia County schools excess levy, which is scheduled for a countywide vote during the primary election on May 12, 2026.

"The levy is currently approved through June 2027 and is up for renewal by a countywide vote during the primary election on 05/12/2026," said Bobby Godby, who spoke for the coalition and described the levy as a critical local revenue stream that supplements state funding.

Presenters said the levy funds roughly 21% of the county school system's operating budget, which they described as approximately $35,600,000 in local property-tax revenue supporting students, staff and services. Godby and a student speaker highlighted expenditures that levy funds support: school nurses, school-safety personnel, transportation and bus acquisition/operations, instructional materials and technology, supplemental staff positions, and extracurricular programs including arts and athletics.

Godby noted the levy rate has been unchanged for four years and that the measure historically enjoys strong nonpartisan support, citing prior passage rates around 78%. He and coalition members urged council to publicize the renewal and described upcoming events, including a levy kickoff and a spring student showcase to educate voters.

There was no formal council action during the workshop; presenters offered to remain for questions and provide additional details on request.

The coalition asked the public and council members to share information about the levy and listed contact and event details for outreach.