This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to allow waivers for the experience requirements of professional education personnel under certain conditions. Specifically, it permits classroom teachers with zero to three years of experience to be considered for professional positions only if no other qualified candidates have applied. The county board is also given the authority to determine the appropriate weight for each qualification criterion when filling vacancies for principal or classroom teaching positions, ensuring that certain criteria are equally weighted for permanently employed instructional personnel.

Furthermore, the bill aims to ensure that public charter school personnel accrue seniority in the same manner as their noncharter public school counterparts, promoting equitable treatment in employment status and opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of recommendations from principals and faculty senates in the hiring and promotion process, while also addressing seniority determination, reductions in force, and teacher reassignment without the need for posting positions under specific conditions. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance flexibility in hiring practices while maintaining a focus on qualifications and recommendations from educational leaders.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-4-7a