The bill proposes a significant shift in the administration of Advanced Career Education (ACE) classes and programs in West Virginia, transferring oversight from county boards of education to community and technical colleges. It introduces a new section, 18B-2B-10, which details the transfer process, including a timeline for mutual agreements between the involved parties. A memorandum of understanding will be established to address facility use, equipment transfer, personnel compensation, and retirement provisions. The Chancellor of Community and Technical College Education is also tasked with developing guidelines and providing technical assistance to ensure a smooth transition, while a dispute resolution process involving the State Superintendent of Schools and the Chancellor is put in place.

Additionally, the bill repeals section 18-5-19b, which previously governed adult education classes, and modifies sections 18-2-6 and 18-2-10 to incorporate adult occupational education into the types of programs for which the State Board will set minimum standards. The legislation ensures that all ACE courses will be transferred between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, with specific terms for the transfer of administrative control, personnel, and resources. Employees will retain their existing pay rates and benefits during the transition, with provisions for the transfer of accumulated leave and options for those in the Teachers Retirement System to remain in that system under certain conditions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-6, 18-2-10, 18-9A-2, 18B-2B-10, 18-5-19b
Committee Substitute: 18-2-6, 18-2-10, 18-9A-2, 18B-2B-10, 18-5-19b