This bill aims to amend the definition of "long-term substitute" within the West Virginia Code, specifically in section 18A-1-1. The new definition specifies that a long-term substitute is a substitute employee filling a position that the county superintendent anticipates will become a permanent position, rather than simply one expected to last for at least thirty consecutive days. The bill introduces new language that clarifies that a long-term substitute can be either a position explicitly listed as a long-term substitute for over thirty days or a regular full-time position that is not filled by a regular employee and is instead filled by a substitute.

Additionally, the bill removes the previous requirement that a long-term substitute position must extend for at least thirty consecutive days. This change is intended to provide greater flexibility in staffing and to better address the needs of public schools in West Virginia. The bill also clarifies that retired employees hired to fill vacant positions do not qualify as long-term substitutes for the purposes of the relevant code section.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-1-1