This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 18-9A-27, to the Code of West Virginia, focusing on staffing oversight and accountability for county boards of education. It mandates that each county board submit an annual staffing plan to the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) by May 1 each year, detailing the number of covered employees, staffing justifications, and budget impacts. The WVDE will provide annual staffing recommendations and maximum allowances based on objective criteria, and county boards are prohibited from exceeding these recommendations without an approved waiver. The bill also establishes a process for counties to object to staffing recommendations and outlines the conditions under which additional positions may be approved.

Furthermore, the bill includes enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance, such as requiring corrective actions if a county board hires beyond the recommended staffing levels without a waiver. It mandates the publication of an annual staffing compliance report by the WVDE, which will include information on recommended and actual staffing levels, waivers granted, and any penalties imposed. The provisions of this bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to staffing plans for the fiscal year 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-9A-27