This bill proposes an amendment to the Code of West Virginia, specifically modifying section 18-5-45 regarding the school calendar. The primary change is to reduce the required number of instructional days from 180 to 160. The bill outlines that the school calendar must provide for 160 separate instructional days or an equivalent amount of instructional time, while also allowing for flexibility in scheduling to accommodate unforeseen closures due to inclement weather or other emergencies. Additionally, it stipulates that county boards may increase the length of the instructional day to meet the new requirement and outlines provisions for non-instructional days and cocurricular activities.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of public engagement in the formulation of the school calendar, requiring county school boards to hold at least two public meetings for community input. It also includes provisions for the state board to grant waivers for noncompliance with the new instructional day requirement under certain circumstances, such as federal disaster declarations. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the school calendar while ensuring that educational standards are maintained.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-45