The bill amends the Code of West Virginia, specifically section 18A-4-5a, to allow county boards of education to declassify career technical education instructors in order to provide additional compensation when there is a critical need and shortage of certified instructors in specific areas. This new provision is added as subsection (6) to the existing list of circumstances under which counties may offer higher salaries or additional compensation to teachers. The bill also removes a previous provision that allowed for additional compensation for teachers assigned as master teachers, mentors, or academic coaches.

In addition to the new insertion, the bill maintains existing provisions that permit counties to establish salary schedules above state minimums, provide additional compensation for special instructional assignments, and offer financial assistance to teachers in remote locations or those teaching in areas with high turnover rates. The legislation emphasizes the importance of addressing critical shortages in career technical education by enabling counties to adjust compensation structures accordingly.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18B-3C-17
Committee Substitute: 18A-4-5a