CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- One West Virginia county has regained control of its public schools and a second has received partial control after state takeovers.
The state Board of Education voted Wednesday to return full control to Lincoln County. It also decided to restore Grant County's powers over all areas except personnel and finances.
Lincoln County's public schools have around 3,700 students. The state first seized control in 2000 because of rundown buildings, illegal hiring practices and low student test scores. It returned control on a trial basis in 2010, but again found backsliding on personnel issues last year. Follow-up reviews this summer and fall led to Wednesday's decision.
The state took over Grant County schools in 2009 amid concerns about the personnel, curriculum and county board leadership. Grant has around 1,900 students.
