Legislators Answer Questions, School Boundaries Change
Published about 17 hours ago • 12 min read
Observer Weekly
May 28, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
For many of us, Memorial Day signals the start of summer and perhaps a little more time to relax. For schools and governments, it signals the end of the fiscal year is arriving.
This week most of Jefferson County’s state legislators held an open forum to recap what they did in Charleston during this year’s legislative session. As usual for these types of discussions lately, the most animated conversations were about data centers. Each of the legislators was pretty clear on how they view data center projects in general, but details on specific projects and how they will affect the community are still hard to come by.
The Board of Education wrapped up its year by passing a budget, but already knows it will have some hard discussions about locality stipends and redistricting on the agendas for next year.
But for now, it’s time for graduations, music festivals, and picnics.
— Steve Pearson
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Legislators Talk About Education, Taxes and Data Centers
About 60 residents showed up to ask questions of Jefferson County’s state legislators at a “town hall” event on May 27 at the Corner Connection in downtown Charles Town.
State Senator Jason Barrett along with Delegates Chris Anders, Joe Funkhouser, Wayne Clark, and Bill Ridenour attended the event. State Senator Patricia Rucker, who also represents Jefferson County, was not able to attend. All of these officials are Republicans.
Following introductory remarks, the legislators fielded questions on six topics, in this order: Education, Taxation, Healthcare, Judicial Reform, Infrastructure, and Data Centers. Their responses are summarized below:
Education — The first question of the night focused on state funding for schools. All 5 legislators indicated strong support for the HOPE scholarship program, framing it as a mechanism that provides choice for parents of all income levels. In follow-up responses, Delegate Clark remarked on the need to raise teacher salaries, Delegate Anders said he sees a need for a “full structural change” in how the state’s public schools operate, and Delegate Funkhouser emphasized the responsibility of local school boards.
Taxation — Senator Barrett spoke about the Senate’s work on an amendment to the WV Constitution to allow the legislature to increase the homestead exemption for senior citizens. According to Barrett, the Senate passed a bill to support the amendment, but the legislation did not move forward in the House (according to the WV Legislature’s website, the bill was referred to the House Finance Committee on March 5, more than a month before the session ended). In Jefferson County, a $20,000 homestead exemption reduces property taxes between $232 and $278 (depending on whether you live in the county or one of the municipalities) — an amount that exceeds the average taxpayer’s savings from the personal income tax reduction legislation enacted over the past three years.
Healthcare — The discussion on this topic focused on the limited health care options available in Jefferson County. Delegates Clark, Anders, and Funkhouser expressed support for repealing the “certificate of need” requirements that restrict new providers from opening hospital facilities in West Virginia.
Judicial Reform — During his opening remarks, Delegate Ridenour highlighted several bills that increased penalties for domestic violence, human trafficking, and DUI offences, but there were few questions from the audience on this topic.
Infrastructure — Delegates Funkhouser, Ridenour and Anders expressed strong opposition to the construction of new transmission lines across Jefferson County to support the power needs of neighboring states. Delegate Clark and Senator Barrett seemed more open to these projects if they could demonstrate a benefit to residents or there was no cost impact to WV ratepayers.
Data Centers — The legislators saved the most contentious topic for the end of the evening. Delegate Ridenour expressed support for data centers in general, but said he thought they would be a good fit in southern WV and that he doesn’t want them in Jefferson County. Delegate Anders took a harder stance and highlighted his no vote on the HB 2014 legislation. Delegate Funkhouser emphasized a different perspective, asking what other options the state has to attract such significant amounts of private investment. Funkhouser also shared that data center noise levels and other standards are coming soon from the state’s Data Economy Office. (The Observer has sought but not yet received confirmation of this.) Delegate Clark and Senator Barrett were also broadly supportive of the state’s efforts to encourage data center development.
A message from the Skinner Law Firm
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Local Projects Win Recognition For Preservation Efforts
Bill Grantham in his workshop
The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia (PAWV), a nonprofit organization that supports historic preservation efforts throughout the state, recently recognized the following individuals and organizations for activities in the Eastern Panhandle:
Martin Burke (Jefferson County) — Dr. Emory Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award. Burke served on the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission from 2009 through 2025, and played a central role in safeguarding the River Road cement kilns, the Osborn Farm and Shepherdstown Battlefield landscape, and the Duffield’s Depot.
Bill Grantham (Middleway) — Stewardship Award. Grantham was recognized for his decades of service in protecting and preserving Grace Episcopal Church, Union Church, and their historic cemeteries in Middleway.
Mark Letenzi (Charles Town) — Historic Tax Credit Award for the Stephenson Apartments project. Letenzi was honored for his creative vision in rehabilitating a formerly abandoned building in downtown Charles Town into fully-functional multi-family housing.
Partner Community Capital (Charles Town) — Michael Gioulis Downtown Preservation Award. PCC was recognized for its ongoing commitment to downtown redevelopment and economic revitalization across the state.
Legend Property Group (Martinsburg) — Adaptive Reuse Award for the Interwoven Mills project. This project was honored for the vision and execution of converting 200,000 square feet of vacant industrial space into 191 modern residential units. The project is continuing with additional housing and commercial space planned to be completed next year.
Zachary Salman (Berkeley Springs) — Preservation Hero Award. Salman was recognized for numerous projects supporting historic preservation in Berkeley Springs.
Morgan Arts Council (Berkeley Springs) — Betty “Snookie” Nutting Preservation Persistence Award. The Council was recognized for both its vision and decades of persistence in redeveloping the obsolete and decaying Ice House structure into a vibrant arts and culture hub for the town.
More information on each award recipient can be found on the PAWV website.
A message from WVU Medicine
The Future is Here!
WVU Medicine is bringing advanced specialty care, new services, and major investments directly to the Eastern Panhandle region. Advancements are underway to ambulatory services, cancer care, and more at WVU Medicine Jefferson Medical Center as part of a major $260 million investment to expand healthcare access in the Eastern Panhandle. Learn more about our new services and providers at WVUMedicine.org/FutureisHere, or follow us on social media.
Shepherdstown Middle School attendance area (red = current, blue = added)
At its May 26 meeting, the Jefferson County Board of Education was divided on approval of its budget but unanimous in approving changes to middle school attendance boundaries for the upcoming school year.
The Board approved a $154 million operating budget for the 2026–2027 school year in a 3–2 vote, with members Donna Joy and Carmen Taylor-Bratton voting against it. Both cited concerns about the formula used to determine stipends for administrative personnel as the reason for their vote. The Superintendent noted that he had begun discussions with a consultant who could provide an independent analysis of the stipend formula, and the Board is expected to revisit the issue at its next meeting in June.
The change approved to middle school attendance boundaries will shift 39 students into Shepherdstown Middle School from the current Harpers Ferry Middle School and Wildwood Middle School attendance areas. In the image above, the current Shepherdtown attendance area is highlighted in red and the areas shifting into Shepherdstown are highlighted in blue. With the boundary changes, the enrollment projections for next year are 298 students at Shepherdstown, 448 at Harpers Ferry, and 400 at Wildwood. Charles Town Middle School is unaffected by this change and is projected to have 608 students enrolled next year.
During the redistricting discussion, the Superintendent remarked that the staff would be presenting more extensive redistricting plans next year that could affect all of the middle schools and several of the elementary schools. The enrollment data show that the elementary school numbers have been fairly stable for the past few years (see chart below), but the Superintendent said that projections show faster growth in certain areas of the county, which could lead to overcrowding in some schools over the next few years if the attendance boundaries are not adjusted.
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Clothing Swap Drop Off Day (May 30) — The St. Thomas Lutheran Church is sponsoring a clothing swap event at Sam Michaels Park on June 6. The drop off for clothing you want to contribute is Saturday, May 30 between 2 and 3 pm at 111 South Seminary St, Charles Town. >>>More info…
Tire collection event (May 30) — The Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority will be accepting used tires this weekend at the South Berkeley Recycling Center in Inwood (637 Pilgrim St) from 9 am to 3 pm. The event is open to all West Virginia residents. Passenger vehicle, light truck and motorcycle tires only (no rims, limit of 10 tires per resident). >>>Website…
Ranson Election (June 2) — The City of Ranson is holding elections to fill four City Council seats. Election Day is Tuesday, June 2. Early voting is available until Saturday, May 30. The single voting location is at City Hall (312 South Mildred Street). The early voting hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and also Saturdays (May 23 & May 30) 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. On election day, the polling location will be open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. Election information is available on the town’s website (RansonWV.gov).
Shepherdstown Election (June 2) — The Town of Shepherdstown is holding elections to fill the office of Mayor, Recorder and all five seats on the Town Council. Election Day is Tuesday, June 2. Early voting is available until Saturday, May 30. The single voting location is at Town Hall (104 North King Street). The early voting hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and Saturdays (May 23 & May 30) 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. On election day, the polling location will be open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. Election information is available on the town’s website (Shepherdtown.gov).
A message from A T Ridenour family and friends
Arts, Culture & Community Events
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Ballet: Cinderella — Ballet production by the Old Opera House Theatre Company. 204 North George St, Charles Town. May 28–30. $ Tickets & Info…
Ram Fest 2026 — Food, drink, music and raffle event benefiting Shepherd University Athletics. Rumsey Event Center Ballroom, 233 Lowe Dr, Shepherdstown. Friday, May 29, 6 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Hip after Six Movie Night: Lilo & Stitch — Outdoor community movie night organized by Charles Town Now. 100 block of North Charles Street, Charles Town. Friday, May 29, 6 pm. Free. Info…
Live Music: Tabitha Meeks — Performance by the Nashville-based “Queen of Retro Pop” as part of the Levitt AMP Shenandoah Junction Music Series. The AMP at Sam Michaels Park, 235 Sam Michaels Drive, Shenandoah Junction. Friday, May 29, 6 pm. Free. Info…
Summer Reading Kickoff Party — Community celebration launching the summer reading program. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 30, 11 am-2 pm. Free. Info…
John Brown and Frederick Douglass: A Legacy of Freedom — Day-long program at multiple locations in lower town Harpers Ferry exploring the legacy of two abolitionists who took different paths. Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, May 30, 11 am-4 pm. Included with Park admission. Info…
Spring Fling Market — Community market event in downtown Charles Town. 100 block of North Charles St, Charles Town. Saturday, May 30, 3-7 pm. Free. Info…
Pride Kick-Off Celebration — Community Pride celebration featuring activities throughout the day. Roving Peregrine Theater Company, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 30, noon-10 pm. Free. Info…
Dinner & Dance Exhibition — Fundraiser event benefiting SAIL (Shepherdstown Area Independent Living). Shepherdstown Community Club, 102 East German Street, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 30, 6-9 pm. $ For information: 304-870-SAIL or Info@shepherdstownSAIL.org.
Film: Milk — Screening of the Academy Award-winning film about Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 30, 7 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Concert: Doubles Anyone? — Works by Bach, Dvorak, and Golijov performed by the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra and various ensembles. Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, 100 West Washington St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 30, 7:30 pm; Sunday, May 31, 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Pre-Pride Variety Show — Evening variety show for 18+ as part of Shepherdstown Pride weekend. Roving Peregrine, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 30, 8:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Red, White & Lights Drone Show — Outdoor drone light show celebration in Winchester. Ball Fields at Jim Barnett Park, 1001 East Cork St, Winchester. Saturday, May 30, 9 pm. Free. Info…
Film: Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps — Film screening for 18+ followed by a discussion led in person by actor and filmmaker Scott Turner Schofield. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, May 31, 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Shepherdstown Gay Pride Parade — Second annual community Pride parade through downtown Shepherdstown. German St, Shepherdstown. Monday, June 1, 6-7 pm. Free. Info…
Ongoing
St. Isidore Market — Weekly market featuring local vendors offering produce and handmade goods. St. James Catholic Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursdays, year-round, 5 - 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Brunswick Main Street Farmers Market — Farmers market held on the second and last Friday of each month. East Potomac St, Brunswick, MD. 4-7 pm. Free. Info… Charles Town Farmers Market — Weekly open-air farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods and artisan vendors. South Samuel St between Washington St and Congress St, Charles Town. Saturdays, 9 am-noon. Free. Info…
Shepherdstown Farmers Market — Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and live music. Behind the Market House, 100 South King St, Shepherdstown. Sundays, 9 am - 1 pm. Free. Info…
Martinsburg Farmers Market — Seasonal farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisan vendors. 125 W King St, Martinsburg, WV. Saturdays, April–October, 10 am - 2 pm. Free. Info…
The weather forecast for Saturday, June 6 looks perfect for the Shepherdstown Streetfest. This annual event showcases the hospitality and creativity of the town, with a full lineup of music, food, local businesses, and craft vendors.
Vendors and food service sales will begin at 10 am, the beer garden will open at 11 am, and the music will begin at noon. The main stage lineup is Howling at the Earth (noon), New Way Drive (1:45), Megan Jean’s Secret Family (3:30), American Darling (5:15), and Giñada Pinata (7:00). The Market House (old library) stage lineup is The Glass Eye (1:15), Erika Goldsmith (3:00), Alex Kearns (4:45), and Crystal Receiver (6:30).
North King Street in front of Town Hall will close at 6pm on Friday June 5 and German Street will be closed to traffic starting at 6 am on Saturday June 6. All Shepherd University lots will be open for free parking, with shuttle service running to the downtown event (map above).
Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.
