Governor says he wants to work with state education officials about funding and regulatory reforms

June 29, 2026 - 21:22

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey stated on Wednesday that he intends to collaborate closely with state education officials to address both funding levels and regulatory burdens in the public school system. Speaking at a press conference, Morrisey emphasized the need for a cooperative approach rather than a confrontational one.

"Without a doubt," Morrisey said at a press conference, "we have to work together to make sure our education dollars are being spent effectively and that our schools are not choked by outdated rules." The governor did not specify exact funding increases or which regulations he would target, but he indicated that the goal is to give local districts more flexibility while maintaining accountability.

The announcement comes amid ongoing debates in the state legislature over education spending and teacher shortages. Critics have argued that previous reform efforts focused too heavily on school choice and not enough on core classroom needs. Morrisey acknowledged those concerns, saying he wants to hear from teachers, administrators, and parents before any major changes are made. He also stressed that any new funding must come with measurable results for student outcomes. The governor plans to meet with the state Board of Education and the superintendent within the next two weeks to begin the discussion.