This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to allow waivers of experience requirements for professional education personnel under certain conditions. It specifies that classroom teachers with zero to three years of experience can be considered for professional positions only if no other qualified candidates have applied. The county board is given the authority to determine the weight of each qualification criterion when filling vacancies for principal or classroom teaching positions, with provisions for equal weighting of certain criteria for permanently employed instructional personnel. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of recommendations from principals and faculty senates, stating that if both recommend the same applicant and the superintendent agrees, the county board must appoint that applicant regardless of other qualifications.

Furthermore, the bill aims to ensure that personnel in public charter schools accrue seniority in the same manner as their counterparts in noncharter public schools, promoting equitable treatment for charter school employees. It also outlines the process for determining seniority among classroom teachers and other professional employees, as well as procedures for job postings and reductions in force. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance flexibility in hiring practices while ensuring that qualified candidates are considered for professional education positions.

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