SBA awards Mercer, Raleigh schools millions for projects

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVVA) - Mercer and Raleigh county schools will receive millions in funding from the West Virginia School Building Authority (SBA) for renovation projects.

The SBA Board has awarded Mercer County $4.8 million to go toward Phase 1 of a $15 million renovation and addition project at the Mercer County Technical Education Center. Local funding for that project so far is $5.4 million.

Raleigh County was awarded $12 million toward Phase 3 renovations at Woodrow Wilson High School. That project will cost a total of $27.5 million with $15.5 million from local funding.

Mercer County schools posted that the investment “will allow us to grow career and technical programs, expand dual credit opportunities, and create even more pathways for students to graduate college- or career-ready—right here at home.”

Raleigh County Schools Superintendent Dr. Serena Starcher said she is excited about what the award means for students, staff and families, and more updates on those plans will be announced.

The SBA considers Needs Grants once a year with $43.5 million awarded for 2026. A total of 32 counties submitted requests for $170 million, with 12 counties’ projects getting the green light for their projects.