This bill proposes an amendment to the Code of West Virginia, specifically 18-2-5, to authorize the State Board of Education to implement a two-year pilot program at the county level. The program aims to change the traditional school week from five eight-hour days to four ten-hour days. This change is intended to analyze the potential positive impacts on student and staff absenteeism as well as fiscal savings. The bill emphasizes that any alternative school schedules must still meet the high-quality standards for student performance and ensure sufficient instructional time.

To facilitate this pilot program, the bill includes provisions that require county boards to submit comprehensive plans to the State Board of Education for approval. These plans must demonstrate how they will optimize student learning while adhering to the spirit and intent of existing educational laws. The bill also mandates that the State Board hold at least two public meetings to gather input from parents, teachers, and other stakeholders regarding the proposed changes to the school calendar. The language deleted from current law pertains to the specific provisions for rule promulgation, while new language is added to outline the pilot program's framework and requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-5