The bill amends 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. It mandates that any member unable to attend the initial orientation for good cause must complete a make-up training within 30 days of being sworn in, and similarly, appointed members must complete their orientation within 30 days of their appointment. The bill increases the annual training hours required from county board members to twelve and modifies the topics covered in training. Additionally, it allows the West Virginia Board of Education to require further training under certain conditions and includes provisions for reporting training participation and activities to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability.

Furthermore, the bill removes the January 1 deadline for meeting the annual training requirement in the final year of a four-year term, creating an exception for members not seeking reelection. It establishes a County Board Member Training Standards Review Committee, which includes non-voting ex officio members, to oversee training standards and requirements. Compensation for board members is set at $260 per meeting attended, with provisions for mileage reimbursement without the need for receipts. The bill also stipulates that members in default of training requirements will not receive compensation until the default is cured.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-1a
Committee Substitute: 18-5-1a, 18-5-4
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 18-5-1a, 18-5-4
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 18-5-1a, 18-5-4