The Senate Education Committee discussed Senate Bills 166 and 428 this morning; both itemswill be advanced to the full Senate.
Senate Bill 166 would allow West Virginians to be eligible to use the West Virginia Invests Grant for an associate degree or certificate for emergency medical services.
Senate Bill 428 would establish three distinct job titles for school bus operators, based on years of service. These titles would reflect the amount of time served for bus drivers, ranging from less than five years, more than five years, and 10 or more years. This would result in a pay increase for bus drivers who have been employed longer than new bus drivers. The goal of this bill is to increase retention among bus drivers.
In addition to the discussion of bills, the Senate Education Committee heard a presentation from Tom Franta, the founding executive director of the Mountaineer Charter Alliance.
In his presentation, Franta said the alliance is seeking to address access issues, financing issues, ensure programs are carefully tailored for West Virginia to be able to match federal aid and level the playing field.
When asked by Sen. Grady (R – Mason, 04) about Franta’s goal to level the playing field, Franta said public school charter schools have access to 99% of state aid, but that is not the full range of funding available for public education.
Franta said $5 million was appropriated to the school building authority, but charter schools have received no money from this allocation.
“Dollars that were intended for the classroom are being diverted to facilities acquisition, facilities upgrade,” Franta said. “To me, leveling the playing field is ensuring the extent to which a parent is choosing the best possible public option for their kid. They should be ensured that regardless of what option they choose, it will be funded appropriately.”
