The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to revise the process for transferring and reducing school personnel, shifting the responsibility for these decisions from county boards to the West Virginia Board of Education. It eliminates the requirement for a hearing on proposed transfers and mandates that the state board consider specific factors, such as class sizes and bus route lengths, when determining necessary reductions in force. Additionally, county superintendents are required to provide information on funding sources for positions that exceed the foundation allowance for professional educators and service personnel. A new section, 18A-4-23, is introduced to outline the process for eliminating summer school program positions, prioritizing reemployment based on the length of service in those roles.

The bill also establishes that employment for a full term equates to one year of seniority, with a maximum of one year accrued per fiscal year. It specifies that reductions in force must be based on qualifications defined by county board policy, excluding salary as a criterion. The notification and release process during reductions in force is modified, transferring responsibility to representatives of the West Virginia Department of Education. A preferred recall list for employees whose positions are eliminated is introduced, ensuring they are prioritized for future openings based on qualifications. The bill emphasizes transparency and fairness in employment practices, with provisions for legal action against non-compliant county boards. Overall, it aims to create a more structured and equitable personnel management process within West Virginia's education system.

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