This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 18A-3-13, to the Code of West Virginia, aimed at enhancing the training and support for principals and county board members in public schools. It mandates a one-day in-person training course that covers essential topics such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), updated discipline guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, and the due process rights of teachers. The training will ensure that principals and county board members are well-informed about the legal requirements regarding special education classrooms, teacher rights, and local advocacy resources. The course is to be completed by December 31, 2025, with provisions for newly employed principals and board members thereafter.

Additionally, the bill requires principals and county board members to inform teachers of their due process rights in person, covering documentation processes, rights related to parental advocacy during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and protections for teachers advocating for student placements. Furthermore, it stipulates that during IEP meetings, school representatives must verbally explain the identification process for students, as well as the due process rights of parents and teachers, and provide information about local advocacy centers. This comprehensive approach aims to improve the understanding and implementation of special education laws and support systems within West Virginia's public schools.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-3-13