The bill introduced on January 15, 2026, seeks to amend sections 18A-4-8 and 18A-4-8a of the Code of West Virginia by establishing three distinct job titles for school bus operators: "Bus operator I," "Bus operator II," and "Bus operator III." These classifications are based on years of service, with "Bus operator I" designated for those with less than five years, "Bus operator II" for those with at least five years, and "Bus operator III" for those with at least ten years of service. This change replaces the previous singular title of "Bus operator" and aims to create a structured pay scale that reflects the varying levels of expertise among school bus operators.

In addition to the new job titles, the bill introduces a minimum salary structure for service personnel effective July 1, 2024, ensuring that employees working more than three and a half hours a day receive a minimum monthly pay based on a state-established pay scale. It also includes provisions for incremental pay increases based on educational qualifications and establishes a monthly supplement for service personnel to promote salary equity among counties. The legislation emphasizes the importance of proper classification and compensation for all service personnel, while also protecting current employees from reclassification or reductions in force without consent. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the compensation framework for school service personnel and recognize the contributions of experienced staff.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-4-8, 18A-4-8a