Hope Scholarship Board Disqualifies School, Places Another on Probation
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – State Treasurer Larry Pack, who serves as Chairman of the Hope Scholarship Board, announced the Board has authorized the expansion of various qualifying expenses, including the ability for families to purchase lifetime digital curriculum subscriptions, as well as a Quarterly Funding Policy, an updated Military Member Service Policy, and actions against schools involved with fraud.
“It is vital that we continue to provide flexibility and additional options to parents so they can best meet the needs of their children,” Treasurer Pack said following last week’s Board meeting. “West Virginia has a proud history of military service and I am honored to help extend opportunities to families that have dedicated their lives defending our freedoms.”
The Board also adopted a Quarterly Funding Policy in response to legislation signed into law modifying scholarship disbursements from biannual to quarterly. The new policy will help to streamline the funding process and ensure timely payments to participating families. To receive a quarterly funding distribution in August, students must have turned in all required documentation and be in Approved status by no later than August 1. Students not meeting that criteria will have to wait until the October quarter to receive funding.
The Military Service Member Policy that was adopted in November 2024 was also updated to permit active duty military service members that are required to relocate with permanent military orders to remain eligible and participate in the Hope Scholarship Program.
Additionally, the Board acted to permanently disqualify Tygart Valley Christian Academy from participation in the Hope Scholarship Program for financial misconduct.
“We want to make clear that while there is very little fraud and misconduct in the Hope Scholarship Program, we want to take swift and decisive action when our investigations warrant it,” Treasurer Pack said.
Furthermore, the Board placed Laurel Academy on probation due to violations of program rules. The school will be required to come into compliance with all program requirements during the probationary period. The Treasurer’s Office continues to gather evidence and additional information regarding these ongoing investigations.
For more information on the Hope Scholarship, visit www.HopeScholarshipWV.gov.
