The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the framework for public charter schools by introducing new provisions and modifying existing criteria. Key changes include stipulations that public charter schools can only charge tuition or fees comparable to noncharter public schools for part-time enrollment or student activities. It also allows these schools to employ personnel for managing retirement and insurance plans, mandates that school districts track students who withdraw from charter schools, and permits charter school teachers to proctor state assessments regardless of certification status. Additionally, governing board members can be removed by a board vote, which aims to improve governance.

Significantly, the bill establishes provisions for alternative high-risk population public charter schools, requiring that at least 70% of their enrollment consists of high-risk students, such as those who have been expelled or are homeless. The West Virginia Board of Education is tasked with creating rules for funding these schools, while institutions of higher education can apply to create virtual or on-campus public charter microschools. The bill also allows existing charter schools to partner with learning pods and microschools for instructional purposes. Furthermore, it enables public charter schools to submit amendments to their applications at any time, emphasizing the need for comprehensive operational plans that address governance, enrollment, budgeting, and support for students with disabilities. Overall, the bill aims to expand educational opportunities for high-risk students and promote innovative educational models within the charter school system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5G-3, 18-5G-7, 18-5G-8, 18-5G-14a, 18-5G-18