The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to allow waivers of experience requirements for professional education personnel under certain conditions. It permits classroom teachers with zero to three years of experience to be considered for professional positions only if no other qualified candidates are available. The county board is given the authority to determine the weight of various qualifications when filling vacancies for principal or classroom teaching positions, ensuring that all criteria are treated equally if permanently employed instructional personnel apply and meet job standards, with principal and faculty senate recommendations receiving double weight.

Additionally, the bill establishes guidelines for the employment, promotion, and transfer of professional personnel, emphasizing qualifications such as certification, experience, academic achievement, and past performance evaluations. It also ensures that public charter school employees accrue seniority in the same manner as noncharter public school employees, promoting equitable treatment regarding employment status and seniority benefits. Overall, the bill aims to enhance flexibility in hiring practices while maintaining a focus on qualifications and recommendations from existing educational personnel.

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