This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish specific limits on the school year calendar, mandating that the instructional term for students must begin no earlier than September 1 and end no later than May 31 each year. Additionally, it introduces a provision that allows county boards to increase the length of the instructional day by at least 30 minutes to ensure compliance with the requirement of 180 instructional days. The bill also stipulates that up to five days of this equivalent time can be used to cancel days lost due to necessary school closures, and it allows for the delivery of instruction through alternative methods on up to five days when schools are closed.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the number of remote learning days, setting a maximum of 10 remote learning days effective from the 2025/2026 school year. This change aims to enhance the flexibility of instructional delivery while ensuring that the educational needs of students are met during unforeseen circumstances. The bill emphasizes the importance of public engagement by requiring county school boards to hold at least two public meetings to discuss the school calendar with stakeholders, including parents and teachers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-45