The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to improve the regulatory framework for public charter schools, introducing several key provisions. It establishes a right of first refusal for charter schools to acquire unused or underutilized public school buildings and clarifies funding disbursements for teachers in charter schools that do not participate in state retirement funds. The legislation also outlines procedures for student transfers from virtual charter schools to public schools and introduces new criteria for charter schools, such as the ability to incorporate post-secondary and before/after school programs. Additionally, it emphasizes that charter schools must comply with certain federal laws while remaining exempt from many regulations that apply to non-charter public schools.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing language to clarify responsibilities regarding student tracking upon withdrawal and conditions for teachers proctoring state assessments. It mandates that 99 percent of the per pupil total basic foundation allowance follows students to public charter schools and requires the state board to create rules ensuring federal funding follows students as well. The governance structure is also addressed, requiring governing boards to include parents and community members, and it establishes a process for public charter schools to access public facilities. The bill also introduces provisions for retirement and insurance funding, ensuring equitable treatment for charter schools in these areas, with specific allocations based on participation in retirement plans and the Public Employees Insurance Fund.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5G-3, 18-5G-8, 18-5G-18
Committee Substitute: 18-5G-3, 18-5G-4, 18-5G-5, 18-5G-7, 18-5G-8, 18-5G-12, 18-5G-14, 18-9A-6a, 18-9A-24, 18-5G-18
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 18-5G-3, 18-5G-4, 18-5G-5, 18-5G-7, 18-5G-8, 18-5G-12, 18-5G-14, 18-9A-6a, 18-9A-24, 18-5G-18