W. Va. Code § 18-5-8: Condemnation of land necessary for educational purposes.

The board shall purchase by condemnation or otherwise, the land necessary for school buildings, playgrounds, athletic fields, experiments in agriculture, warehouses, bus garages, and other educational purposes, and may make necessary expenditures for the improvement of the land.

The board may petition the circuit court to condemn such lands, or easements in such lands, necessary or convenient for educational purposes for school buildings, playgrounds, athletic fields, experiments in agriculture, warehouses, bus garages, or extensions, improvements, or additions thereto. The rights, powers, and privileges of eminent domain in a board shall be coextensive with the rights, powers, and privileges of the state.

Condemnation proceedings shall be in the name of the board and according to the provisions of chapter fifty-four of the code.