This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to extend the expiration date for provisions that allow individuals receiving retirement benefits under the Teachers Retirement System to work as critical needs substitute teachers without affecting their retirement benefits. Specifically, the expiration date is changed from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030. The bill outlines the conditions under which retired teachers can be employed as substitutes, including the requirement for county boards to adopt policies addressing areas of critical need and shortage for substitute teachers, and the necessity for state board approval of these policies.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes that retired teachers can work as substitutes for an unlimited number of days each fiscal year, provided that certain criteria are met, such as the unavailability of other certified teachers for the position. It also stipulates that retired teachers employed in this capacity will not accrue seniority or be eligible for additional benefits. The state board is tasked with reporting annually on the effectiveness of these provisions in addressing the shortage of substitute teachers, ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of this policy.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-2-3