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 reporting tool for families opting out of public schooling, allowing them to file necessary paperwork such as notices of intent and termination. The portal is designed to enhance user experience by ensuring security, privacy, and role-based access, while also providing features like dashboards for families and school boards, acknowledgment of submissions, and the option for push notifications regarding required actions.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the School Choice Portal be operational for the 2025-2026 school year and outlines specific requirements for its development. The Board is tasked with consulting key stakeholders, including representatives from the homeschool community and other educational entities, to ensure the portal 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