Bill > SB929

This bill modifies West Virginia law to grant the State Board of Education more authority to intervene in county school systems, particularly when a county board exhibits "maladministration," which is defined as inefficient, negligent, improper, arbitrary, or unlawful administration of a public office or program, including failing to follow laws or regulations. The bill also adds failure to file financial statements on time, after a warning, as a reason for intervention. Crucially, if the State Board of Education intervenes, it must create a plan to end the intervention within 36 months, and if the intervention needs to continue beyond that period, the Board must report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability, explaining the reasons for the extension and detailing the problems that led to the intervention and how they are being resolved. Furthermore, any state loan provided to a county school system during an intervention must be repaid within 36 months, and the intervention will remain in place until the loan is fully repaid. The bill also makes these changes retroactive to January 1, 2026, and applies them to the recent intervention in Hancock County Schools. Finally, it clarifies that county school boards are subject to fiscal oversight and reporting requirements, but this does not grant the State Auditor authority over educational policy, curriculum, or personnel decisions.