The bill amends and reenacts 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. Key provisions include the requirement for members who miss initial orientation training to complete a make-up session within 30 days of being sworn in, and for appointed members to do the same within 30 days of their appointment. The bill also increases the annual training hours from seven to twelve, modifies the topics covered in training to include fiscal management and school performance issues, and allows the State Board of Education to mandate additional training for members under certain conditions. Furthermore, it establishes a new compensation rate of $260 per meeting attended, unless a lower rate is approved by the board.

Additional changes include the creation of a County Board Member Training Standards Review Committee, which will include non-voting ex officio members from the Senate and House Education Committees. The State Superintendent of Schools is tasked with reporting to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability regarding training activities and participation. The bill also stipulates that individuals convicted of certain offenses involving minors are barred from serving on county boards. Overall, these amendments aim to improve the governance and effectiveness of county boards of education through enhanced training and accountability measures.

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