Pendleton Citizens for Community Schools v. Marockie

STARCHER, Justice:.

In the instant case, the Circuit Court of Kanawha County ruled that the closing of a high school in Circleville, in Pendleton County, violates both statutory law and our state constitutional right to education. We conclude that the circuit court erred in both conclusions. Consequently, we reverse the circuit’s court’s decision.

I

Facts and Background

This case arises out of the closing of a small (130 students in grades 7-12) high school program 1 in Circleville, Pendleton County, West Virginia. In 1995, the Pendle-ton County Board of Education decided to require that…