Bill > HB4572

This bill, the Rural School Flexibility & Innovation Pilot Act, aims to address the challenges faced by small rural schools in West Virginia, such as low enrollment and rigid regulations that can lead to closure. It proposes a pilot program where eligible public schools, identified by criteria like being proposed for closure, having low enrollment, or being geographically isolated, can be designated as Rural Innovation Schools. These schools would then receive flexibilities similar to those granted to public charter schools, which are independent public schools that operate with more autonomy. These flexibilities include waivers for class size rules, greater discretion in hiring and assigning staff (including exemptions from seniority rules and certification flexibility), and freedom in scheduling, budgeting, and curriculum development, while still remaining under the governance of the local county board. The program also includes a performance agreement with the West Virginia Public Charter School Board, reviewed every three years, with an option for the county to revert back to traditional public school status. Furthermore, schools that have been closed or consolidated in the past two years may be eligible to reopen under this pilot program if their facilities are safe and their viability can be demonstrated.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4572&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill