The proposed bill aims to establish the "West Virginia Freedom and Innovation Pilot Act of 2026," which will allow counties in West Virginia to participate in a new educational pilot program. Under this program, participating counties will receive a block grant of $5,775 per enrolled student as of December 2025, with the potential for a 1% annual increase in funding if enrollment rises. The bill also grants participating counties greater autonomy by exempting them from certain provisions of existing law regarding staffing ratios and salary schedules, while still requiring compliance with the Third Grade Success Act and related federal regulations. Additionally, counties will have full control over their salaries, benefits, class sizes, and academic calendars, with a cap on administrative salaries not exceeding 7% of the total annual budget.

The pilot program is set to commence on July 1, 2026, and counties may opt into the program after this date. The bill includes a provision for the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability (LOCEA) to review the program by July 1, 2031, at which point it will either be allowed to continue or will sunset. This initiative is designed to foster innovation and flexibility in the educational system within participating counties in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-36-1, 18-36-2, 18-36-3, 18-36-4