SB 223
Creating Community School Parents' Choice Act
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the Community School Parents' Choice Act, aims to give parents more say in decisions about closing or consolidating schools in West Virginia. It requires county school boards to provide detailed information and hold public hearings before making such decisions, ensuring parents have a chance to voice their concerns. The bill also establishes a process for parents to petition to prevent closures if certain conditions are met, such as a significant number of parents opposing the closure and the closure not being due to safety issues.
Key provisions
- County school boards must provide written reasons and an impact statement before closing or consolidating schools.
- Public hearings must be held for each school affected, with a quorum of board members and public participation.
- Parents can petition to prevent closure if 70% of students have parents who sign an opposition petition.
- The impact statement must consider the effect on students (including transportation), the county’s finances, school enrollment, school personnel, and the community.
- The state board will create rules for conducting public hearings and ensuring fair procedures.
- Financial support may be provided to schools to maintain operations if the necessary support threshold is met.
- The Community School Parents' Choice Act has a 10-year sunset date.
Who is affected
- Parents of students in schools under consideration for closure or consolidation
- Students in schools under consideration for closure or consolidation
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours