Paul StinsonThe state of West Virginia will spend more than $111 million to build schools and renovate existing ones as part of a statewide commitment to create learning environments that help students succeed.
Spanning 19 counties statewide, the FY 2024 funding provided by the West Virginia School Building Authority (SBA) is the state’s largest allotment of its kind since 2011.
West Virginia will direct more than $65 million of those funds to build 10 schools, including $15.7 million to build the Mullens PK-8 school in Wyoming County. The project will also tap $8.7 million in bond money to create a facility to replace and integrate existing elementary and middle schools.
The state will provide the first of three $9.3 million disbursements toward building the Lubeck, Vienna and North Parkersburg elementary schools in Wood County.
The funds will be used alongside $47.4 million from a local bond share to support the three schools. Each school will include separate drop-off and pick-up locations with drive lanes for parents and buses.
Similarly, the state will award $8.3 million to Berkeley County to build a primary school and a primary/intermediate school.
The funding is part of a three-year recurring payment plan totaling $25 million. Those funds will be added to $41.5 million in local bond money to build and renovate facilities that will serve as pre-kindergarten centers.
The state will direct $15.6 million, along with $6 million in bond funds, toward building Midland Trail Elementary in Fayette County. Plans for the school include consolidating two existing schools and building a modern facility for enhanced educational opportunities, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, agriscience outdoor spaces and an onsite health and wellness center.
Plans call for more than $45 million to renovate existing schools across 13 counties, including $5.8 million to renovate and expand Nutter Fort Primary School and Simpson Elementary School in Harrison County. Nutter Fort Primary School will receive six added classrooms, while Simpson Elementary School will receive two classrooms and a multi-purpose activity room.
The state will direct $13.5 million toward renovating and expanding Ripley Middle School in Jackson County, while another $6.7 million will fund similar efforts for Frankford Elementary in Greenbrier County.
Strategic Partnerships, Inc. can provide information on contract opportunities, plus existing and future government funding. For more information, contact research@spartnerships.com.
Photo courtesy of Wood County Schools.
