Preston County Schools hope to pass levy renewal, save some positions

KINGWOOD, W.Va. The Preston County Board of Education could cut positions due to the loss of students and Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund money (ESSER).

About 138 fewer students are enrolled, and 150 others are considered truant. Twenty of the 150 truant students are in compulsory attendance meetings, and four others are in court.

Under the current financial condition, 21 professional positions and 26 service personnel workers will be cut next year.

The levy ends in June, and the district is working to place a five-year renewal on the May 2024 ballot. Due to commercial development, the lexy rate has dropped from 10.55 percent to 9.67 percent for residential homeowners.

Passage of the levy in May could save up to 14 professional positions.