Bond Call | May 12, 2026
Investing in the Future of Berkeley County Schools
Berkeley County Schools (BCS), the second-largest and fastest-growing school district in West Virginia, serves nearly 20,000 students across 32 schools. With continued population growth, the district is experiencing rising enrollment, and a recent study projects the addition of nearly 1,000 students over the next decade.
To address this growth and maintain safe, modern, and effective learning environments, the Board of Education is proposing a $115.4 million school bond for the May 12, 2026 primary election. These funds will support new construction, renovations, additions, and upgrades across the district—ensuring schools can meet the educational needs of today and tomorrow. Planned projects include a new Hedgesville Middle School, a Workforce Development/Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, classroom additions, cafeteria and kitchen improvements, road upgrades, and other critical infrastructure enhancements.
This bond represents a critical investment in the district’s mission to provide a safe, inclusive, and adaptive learning environment with multiple pathways to success. With the support of the community, Berkeley County Schools can continue to deliver high-quality instruction in modern facilities that prepare students for further education and meaningful careers.
Learn more about the proposed projects and their impact on our schools by exploring the links and resources below.
Project List
How Will Passage Affect My Taxes?
If the voters of Berkeley County approve the school bond at the countywide general election to be held on May 12, 2026:
Class II Residential Homeowner Could expect to pay up to $20.50 per month* for an owner-occupied home appraised at $200,000.
Class II Residential Homeowner if Homestead Exemption applies Could expect to pay up to $17.08 per month* on an owner-occupied home appraised at $200,000.
Assumes a par amount of Bonds of $115,400,000, a term of 15 years and 9 months from the date of issuance of the Bonds, and an interest rate of 5.50% per annum. $200,000 of Appraised Value.
*This is a monthly rate based upon the bond election rate not to exceed 5.75%. Market rates are currently lower than the stated maximum rate.
Costs
Total estimated project costs (including costs of issuance): $160,400,000
Estimated project costs funded by other sources, including SBA grants or other available funds: $45,000,000
Project costs funded by bond proceeds: $115,000,000
Estimated costs of issuance: $400,000
Total par amount of bonds: $115,400,000
Early Voting Information
Berkeley County has announced the early voting locations for the upcoming Primary Election. The locations will remain the same as in previous years, with early voting offered at three sites throughout the county.
Early voting will be available at the following locations and dates:
Berkeley County Public Office, 400 W. Stephen St., Martinsburg, WV 25401 — April 29, 2026 - May 9, 2026
Bedington Ruritan, 3975 Williamsport Pike, Martinsburg, WV 25404 — April 29, 2026 - May 4, 2026
South Berkeley Volunteer Fire Substation, 4127 Winchester Ave., Martinsburg, WV 25405 — April 29, 2026 - May 4, 2026
The early voting period at the Bedington and South Berkeley locations has been reduced from the usual 10 days to five days due to this being an off-year election.