Kanawha Voters Renew School Levy With 71 Percent Approval
The five-year vote secures 22 percent of the district's operating budget, allowing leaders to plan for CTE expansion and staff retention despite falling enrollment.
By Beatriz Soto ·
Kanawha County voters have secured a stable funding source for their local school system, defeating uncertainty about future budget cuts. On Election Day, residents approved the renewal of the county's excess levy by a margin of 71 percent. This approval locks in funding for the next five years, specifically from 2029 through 2034.
The levy provides 22 percent of the Kanawha County Schools operating budget. For a district that has been operating without long-term guarantees, this percentage represents a major portion of daily operations. The vote allows the school system to move forward with multi-year planning without the risk of a sudden revenue drop.
Dr. Paula Potter, the Kanawha County Superintendent of Schools, described the result as a vote of confidence in the district's staff. She noted that the levy supports a wide range of employees, including classroom teachers, administrators, custodians, cooks, and nurses. "This vote is certainly a vote of confidence to help us to continue to provide the best educational opportunities for students. We couldn't be more happy," Potter said.
The district sought this approval three years before the current levy period ends. Potter explained that this timing was necessary due to changes in state law. Those laws now require excess levies to be voted on by the public rather than set by the school system on its own schedule. By securing the vote now, the administration can finalize plans without the pressure of an immediate deadline.
Funds from the levy will pay for specific programs and infrastructure needs. The district plans to expand Career and Technical Education, or CTE, opportunities for middle school students. Potter said this addition was a direct response to requests from parents during town hall and Local School Improvement Council meetings. Parents had asked for more CTE options at the middle school level, and the district added those provisions to the levy proposal.
The money will also address transportation barriers for students participating in extracurricular activities. Potter noted that a lack of reliable transport had kept some students from joining clubs or sports. Additionally, the levy will fund improvements to elementary school playgrounds. These upgrades are intended to give students more opportunities for physical exercise during the school day.
Beyond student programs, the levy supports the district's physical infrastructure and personnel. Funds are allocated for roofing and HVAC replacements. The levy also covers the salaries for 12 security officers, nurses, aides, clerks, and bus drivers. This funding structure helps maintain the staffing levels necessary for a district of this size.
A coalition of school members and the Say Yes on Public Schools Committee worked to inform voters about the levy. They held a support event in downtown Charleston before the election. Potter said the group focused on explaining that the levy was not a new tax. She emphasized that it was a continuation of payments residents had made for nearly a century. "We tried to provide as much factual information about what the levy is, what it does pay for, and how students are directly benefitted from these levy dollars," Potter said.
The approval comes as Kanawha County Schools faces a declining student population. Enrollment dropped by 933 students between last fall and this year. This decrease is part of a wider trend across West Virginia. Potter stated that the secured funding will prevent drastic, overnight service cuts. "With this vote, and knowing that it's in place, it will allow us to make informed decisions a few years out," Potter said.
