Bill > HB3102

This bill modifies the West Virginia school calendar by reducing the required number of instructional days from 180 to 160. The legislation redefines key terms such as "instructional day" to include specific minimum instructional time requirements for different grade levels (315-345 minutes depending on grade), and introduces new definitions for "cocurricular activities" and "instruction delivered through alternative methods". The bill allows county school boards flexibility in meeting the 160-day requirement, such as increasing daily instructional time by at least 30 minutes, using up to five alternative instruction days for weather-related closures, and scheduling up to five days for educator improvement activities. The school year must still begin no earlier than September 1 and end no later than May 31, and county boards must hold at least two public meetings to discuss the proposed calendar. The bill maintains provisions for noninstructional days, including holidays, professional development, and faculty meetings, while emphasizing that the primary purpose of the school system is to provide student instruction. The state board retains authority to approve calendars and can grant waivers to ensure compliance with the new instructional day requirement.