The bill amends sections 18A-2-2 and 18A-2-7 of the West Virginia Code to provide new provisions regarding the dismissal of teachers due to lack of need. It allows teachers who are dismissed to be transferred into unfilled vacant positions based on their length of service with the county board of education, rather than being placed on a preferred list. These transfers will not take effect until the following school year and do not prevent the teacher from applying for other positions. Additionally, the bill stipulates that transfers cannot be made for arbitrary, capricious, or retaliatory reasons, and it grants teachers the right to file grievances for violations of these provisions.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the reassignment of school personnel after the last day of the second school month under certain conditions. It clarifies that a continuing contract for a teacher does not prevent dismissal based on lack of need, and it limits written notifications for dismissal to those teachers whose situations are based on known or expected circumstances. The bill aims to enhance job security for teachers while ensuring that the process for dismissals and transfers is fair and transparent.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-2-7
Committee Substitute: 18A-2-7
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 18A-2-7
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 18A-2-2, 18A-2-7