This bill aims to amend the training requirements for members of county boards of education in West Virginia. It increases the annual training hours from seven to twelve and expands the subjects covered in training to include boardsmanship, governance effectiveness, fiscal management, and school performance issues, specifically referencing the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA). Additionally, the bill allows the State Board to mandate further training for board members upon the request of the State Superintendent. It also establishes a County Board Member Training Standards Review Committee, which will include ex officio members from the House and Senate Education Committees, to oversee training standards and requirements.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that newly elected or appointed county board members must complete orientation training before assuming their duties, with provisions for those unable to attend for good cause. It requires annual training to be completed by January 1 in the final year of a member's term if they are not seeking re-election. The State Superintendent is tasked with reporting annually to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability regarding the training activities and participation of county board members. The bill also includes a provision that prohibits individuals convicted of certain offenses against minors from serving on county boards.

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