Both bodies of the Legislature have now approved charter school expansion after the Senate passed House Bill 2012 on a 19-14 vote late Monday morning.
The legislation now goes back to the House, where delegates can concur with the Senate’s minor changes or amend the bill back to its original form.
House Bill 2012 would increase the number of charter schools that could be approved in a three-year period in West Virginia from three to 10. It also lays the groundwork for virtual charter schools in the future. Under this legislation, charter schools would be part of the state’s public education system and would be given greater flexibility with the understanding they could lose their ability to operate if they fail.
Under current law, only county school boards may authorize a charter school in West Virginia. This bill would give the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board authorization powers as well.
This bill would also give applicants with a rejected charter proposal 30 days after the rejection date to appeal to the state Board of Education.
The Senate has adjourned until tomorrow, March 2, at 11 a.m.
Judiciary will meet at 3 p.m. in room 208W.
Finance will meet at 3 p.m. in 451M
Stream all meetings live on our Legislature Live page.
