School Build Authority Director of Architectural Services Ben Ashley speaks during Monday's meeting. Board members for the West Virginia School Building Authority approved Monday almost $75 million for school construction projects. Twenty nine counties applied for construction funds, but just seven counties made the cut. “For the last year, the staff has worked extensively in many counties to gain an understanding of the severity of need with each project submitted,” said Ben Ashley, director of architectural services for the authority. The state funds will help pay for seven new elementary schools, a new middle school, and renovations at nine other buildings. Counties will also contribute their own money in every county but Summers.