This bill amends and reenacts sections 18-5-1a and 18-5-4 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, to enhance the training and orientation requirements for county board of education members. Key provisions include the requirement for members who miss initial orientation training to complete a make-up session within 30 days of being sworn in, and for appointed members to do the same. The bill also increases the annual training hours from seven to twelve, modifies the topics covered in training to include fiscal management, and allows the State Board of Education to mandate additional training for members under certain conditions. Furthermore, it introduces non-voting ex officio members to the County Board Member Training Standards Review Committee and mandates the State Superintendent to report specific information to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability.

Additionally, the bill sets the compensation rate for county board members at $260 per meeting attended, unless the board votes to approve a lower rate. It also stipulates that members who fail to meet training requirements will not receive compensation for meetings held during the period of default, although they can cure this default by completing the required training within three months. The bill aims to reinforce the qualifications and responsibilities of county board members while ensuring they receive adequate training to effectively fulfill their roles.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-1a, 18-5-4