Gov. Joe Manchin is challenging West Virginia Board of Education members to take a stand on charter schools and school calendar changes.

Manchin told the school board Wednesday that it must assume a leadership role and push for legislative changes if it expects to bolster the state's chances of receiving $80 million in "Race to the Top" funding.

The governor says he's willing to call a special session, but only if the state board wants it.

Last week, officials learned that West Virginia's application for $80 million from the federal government's $4.3 billion program did not make the first cut.

Officials will find out next month whether legislative action on charter schools and other issues might improve its chances of securing second-round funding.

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