This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia to enhance the basic foundation program for school districts by increasing the ratios of professional educators and service personnel per 1,000 students. Specifically, the bill proposes to raise the number of professional educators from seventy-two to seventy-five for high-density, medium-density, low-density, and sparse-density counties. Additionally, it introduces a new provision that for the 2026-2027 school year, school districts will not face penalties for not meeting the minimum ratio of professional instructional personnel per state aid funded professional educators.

Furthermore, the bill outlines similar increases in the ratios of service personnel per 1,000 students, with the ratios set to rise from 43.97 to 56.79 for high-density counties, and corresponding increases for medium, low, and sparse-density counties. The bill also includes provisions for prorating personnel allowances based on state and county funding and allows for collaboration among counties for vocational or comprehensive programs. Overall, the legislation seeks to provide more support to school districts in meeting educational staffing needs while offering temporary relief from penalties related to staffing ratios.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-9A-4, 18-9A-5