This bill proposes the addition of a new section to the Code of West Virginia, specifically Article 36, which mandates the Board of Education to create and implement an internet-based reporting system called the Home School Portal. The Board is required to deploy this portal within 365 days of the act's effective date, or by August 1, 2026, whichever comes first. The Home School Portal must meet several minimum requirements, including security features, role-based user access, and information privacy. It will serve as a platform for families who choose homeschooling, allowing them to submit a Notice of Intent and archive required reports, while also providing optional information requests clearly labeled as such.

Additionally, the Home School Portal will include user-friendly features such as dashboards for families and school boards, acknowledgment capabilities for submissions, and push notifications for necessary actions. The Board is also tasked with consulting key stakeholders, including representatives from the homeschool community, charter schools, and private schools, during the development of the portal to ensure it meets the needs of all 55 counties in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-36-1