HB 4904
Relating to critical vacancies in public education
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to address critical staffing shortages in West Virginia public schools by defining what constitutes a ‘critical vacancy’ and establishing a process for utilizing certified board staff to fill those positions temporarily until permanent replacements are hired. The bill requires county boards to identify and post critical vacancies and mandates that certified staff in the relevant subject areas step in as substitutes to maintain student success and compliance standards. This approach seeks to ensure schools can continue to operate effectively during periods of high teacher turnover.
Key provisions
- Defines a ‘critical vacancy’ as a position necessary for student success, safety, and compliance.
- Requires county boards to identify and post critical vacancies.
- Mandates that certified board staff in the subject area of a critical vacancy serve as substitutes.
- Allows for financial incentives (signing bonuses, moving expenses) for prospective teachers in critical need areas.
- Establishes a reserve list for prospective teachers to be placed into school-specific critical need positions.
- Specifies that regular employment requires superintendent recommendation and county board approval.
- Permits temporary employment of uncertified teachers under the condition of certificate issuance prior to employment.
- Allows boards to fill posted vacancies at any time according to other chapter provisions.
Who is affected
- West Virginia Public Schools
- County Boards of Education
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