The proposed bill aims to establish a "School Choice Portal" in West Virginia, which the State Board of Education is required to deploy by August 1, 2025. This internet-based portal will serve as a centralized platform for families opting out of public schooling to file necessary documentation, such as notices of intent and termination, as well as any additional paperwork mandated by existing law. The portal is designed to enhance accessibility and streamline the process for families, ensuring that it is secure, user-friendly, and operational by the 2025-2026 school year.

The bill outlines specific requirements for the School Choice Portal, including secure access, information privacy, and the inclusion of features such as dashboards for users, acknowledgment capabilities for submissions, and the option for push notifications. Additionally, the State Board is tasked with consulting key stakeholders during the portal's development to ensure it meets the needs of all 55 counties in West Virginia. The implementation and ongoing oversight of the portal will be managed by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability (LOCEA) and/or the Joint Committee on Education.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-36-1
Committee Substitute: 18-36-1
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 18-36-1