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Parent warns that SOAR Act could fast‑track charter conversions in rural Upshur County
Summary
At public comment, parent Jenny Davidson said the SOAR Act could accelerate conversion of closed rural public schools into charter-like alternatives with lower credentialing and accountability; she urged the board to advocate for public schools.
During the public-comment portion of the meeting, Jenny Davidson identified herself as a parent and former student and urged the board and community to be aware of state-level proposals she said could change how rural schools are handled.
Davidson said a candidate at a recent forum — she named Robert Karnes as the speaker she heard — told the audience his SOAR Act would have kept Rock Cave Elementary open. Davidson said she researched the measure and described it as "Sustaining Opportunities for academics in rural schools," but warned the local effect could be to fast‑track closures into conversions she described as having weaker accountability and lower teacher credentialing standards.
"I will always advocate for public schools," Davidson said, urging neighbors in southern Upshur County to watch legislative proposals closely and to support public education.
A separate delegator addressed the board about local school operations and community involvement, saying, "I don't have any kids in school, but I have 2,700 kids in Upshur County and Branch Elementary," and urged people to get involved in school affairs. That figure was presented during public comment and was not independently verified at the meeting.
The board took no action on the SOAR Act or any charter-related policy during the meeting; the comments were delivered during the delegation portion for the board to hear, not to debate.
