This bill proposes significant amendments to the public school instructional requirements in West Virginia by replacing the current minimum of 180 instructional days with a new standard of 900 instructional hours. It also changes the minimum employment term for public school personnel from 200 days to 1,600 hours, and converts other calendar provisions from days or months to hours. Additionally, the bill increases the preparation time designated for employees before the school year begins and allows nonpublic schools to provide alternative instructional methods that can account for up to 25 hours of instructional time during closures due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Furthermore, the legislation outlines specific definitions and requirements for instructional hours and cocurricular activities, mandating that county boards ensure compliance with the new 900-hour requirement while allowing flexibility in scheduling. It emphasizes public input in the formulation of school calendars and establishes guidelines for their approval by the state board. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the educational framework in West Virginia by focusing on instructional hours rather than days, thereby enhancing the adaptability of school operations in response to various challenges.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-45, 18-28-2, 18A-4-8