The Legislature acknowledges that society is presently generating more and more information at ever faster rates. Further, the Legislature acknowledges that it is more difficult for educational facilities and students to digest this growing pool of educational information. Finally, the Legislature acknowledges the need for an incentive grant program which will encourage growth and development of school library media programs which will assist in implementing innovative educational technology.
The state board shall administer the school library media improvement grant program pursuant to the following criteria:
(a) Library media improvement grants shall be utilized to initiate a centralized library media program or to improve an existing program. Funds awarded in such grant may be used for the purchase of books, audiovisual materials, audiovisual equipment, computer software or other innovative uses of technology in the library media center. Funds may not be used for construction, remodeling, furniture, salaries or supplies or to replace funds previously allocated or expended by the county board of education receiving the grant.
(b) Funds in the amount of not less than fifty thousand dollars shall be appropriated to be awarded as grants and shall be equitably allocated between elementary and secondary schools with at least fifty percent of the funds being allocated to small schools with a disproportionate number of students from low income families.
(c) Grants shall be for one year.
Each school district applying for a grant shall submit a proposal detailing plans for the creation of a school library media program or for the improvement of a program already in use. Each district receiving a grant shall furnish information to the state board documenting the application of funds allocated and the benefits to the children served as a result of the grant.
Note: WV Code updated with legislation passed through the 2012 1st Special Session
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