This article presents the state education finance and governance profile of West Virginia. West Virginia is the 41st largest state in the United States, with an area of 24,231 square miles. The total population of West Virginia in 2008 was 1,814,468, making it the 37th most populous state in the United States. Current expenditures per pupil are $10,411. The state mean expenditures per pupil are 93.75% of the national mean for current expenditures, and 103.75% of the national mean for operating expenditures. Total spending on public education is $2,738,151,133. The Public School Support Program is a plan of financial support for the public schools in the state that specifies statutorily the responsibilities of both the state and the county school districts. At present, the number of teachers in K-12 public schools has increased up to 19,862. The West Virginia Board of Education, established in the West Virginia Constitution, is vested with general supervision of the state's 834 elementary and secondary schools. Although West Virginia is not expected to experience a substantial increase in the proportion of Hispanic students attending public schools, the state still is likely to see a shift in demographic characteristics of students. The challenge for educators will be to close gaps between student performance and academic standards for different racial/ethnic and gender groups; for students in urban, suburban, and rural areas; and for students from low-income families. (Contains 1 table and 1 footnote.)