The bill amends section 18-2E-5 of the Code of West Virginia and introduces a new section, 18-9-7, which enhances the West Virginia Board of Education's authority to intervene in county school systems under specific circumstances. It establishes new grounds for immediate intervention, requiring the Board to develop a plan to conclude the intervention within 36 months and to report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability if an extension is necessary. Additionally, any state loan provided to a county school system must be repaid within the same 36-month timeframe, with the intervention remaining in effect until the loan is fully repaid. The bill also includes provisions for retroactive application and imposes fiscal oversight and reporting requirements on county school systems.

Furthermore, the bill updates various legal references and emphasizes accountability measures, strategic improvement plans, and performance measures to ensure quality education. It outlines the procedures for state board intervention when a county board fails to address extraordinary circumstances, including the potential limitation of the county board's authority and the declaration of positions as vacant. New definitions for "maladministration" are introduced, specifying conditions for immediate intervention, such as failure to file financial statements. The bill mandates public hearings during interventions to address community concerns and assess the county board's readiness to regain control, thereby aiming to enhance educational standards and efficiency in West Virginia's public school systems.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-9-3a
Committee Substitute: 18-2E-5, 18-9-7