This bill aims to enhance the compensation of special education personnel in West Virginia by aligning the salaries of Aide V positions with those of Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teachers, followed by an additional 5% increase for Aide V. Furthermore, it proposes a 10% salary increase for self-contained special education teachers. The bill also introduces a definition for "critical vacancy," which is described as a position essential for maintaining student success, safety, and compliance with certification standards.

Additionally, the bill mandates that certified board staff must temporarily fill any critical vacancies until a permanent hire is made. This requirement is intended to ensure that critical positions are staffed promptly to support educational needs. The proposed changes are encapsulated in new sections of the West Virginia Code, specifically 18A-4-5c, which outlines the salary adjustments and the responsibilities associated with critical vacancies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-2-2b, 18A-4-5c
Committee Substitute: 18A-2-2b, 18A-4-5c