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 push notifications for important actions.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for the portal's functionality, including the need for it to be operational by the 2025-2026 school year and to cater to the needs of all 55 counties in West Virginia. The State Board is mandated to consult with key stakeholders, including representatives from the homeschool community and Microschools, during the development of the portal. Oversight of the portal's implementation and ongoing use 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