This bill proposes a significant shift in the authority over the elimination of school personnel positions in West Virginia, transferring this responsibility from county boards of education to the West Virginia Board of Education. The state board will now evaluate the necessity of position eliminations based on specific factors, including financial implications for county boards that exceed the foundation allowance for educators and service personnel. The bill also mandates timely notification to county boards regarding any terminated positions to ensure compliance with statutory deadlines. Additionally, it clarifies the process for reductions in summer school personnel, emphasizing that decisions will be based on the length of service in the specific program.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws related to the employment and seniority rights of professional and service personnel. It establishes that one full term of employment equates to one year of seniority, with a maximum of one year accrued per fiscal year. The criteria for reductions in force will focus on qualifications as defined by county board policy, excluding salary as a factor. The bill also introduces a preferred recall list for employees whose positions are eliminated, ensuring they are prioritized for reemployment in their area of certification. County boards are required to post job vacancies and consider all qualified applicants, including those subject to release, before hiring non-employees. Compliance with these provisions is mandatory, with legal consequences for non-compliance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-39, 18A-2-7, 18A-4-7a, 18A-4-8b, 18A-4-23