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By Brad McElhinny, WV MetroNews
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After a five-hour meeting, the Senate Education Committee passed out a 140-page bill meant to alter many aspects of West Virginia’s school system.
The vote shortly after 6 p.m. was a party-line 7 to 5. The bill was reported to the Senate floor with a recommendation that it be referenced next to the Finance Committee. There has not yet been an estimate of the bill’s financial
Democrats on the Senate...
By Brad McElhinny, WV MetroNews
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — One big education bill hit the West Virginia Senate, eliciting excitement and wariness.
The “omnibus education bill” has been discussed almost as a mythical creature in Capitol hallways ever since the regular legislative session began.
“This is a really big bill,” said Senate Education Chairwoman Patricia Rucker, whose committee got a ...
By Brad McElhinny, WV MetroNews
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Senate President Mitch Carmichael confirmed today’s rollout of one big education bill including promised pay raises for teachers, increased flexibility to open charter schools and a requirement for teachers to sign off annually on union dues.
It also would include “differential pay,” allowing for higher wages for teaching fields considered crucial but hard to fill. And it allows teachers’ personal...
By David Beard, The Dominion Post
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Senate Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved a bill to increase the penalties for passing a school bus when its lights are flashing and students are getting on and off.
The committee also heard from a Division of Highways official on DOT’s problems keeping up with secondary road paving and maintenance.
The bus bill is SB 238. Passing a bus with flashing lights is a misdemeanor. It...
By Dave Mistich, WV Public Broadcasting
Unions representing public educators and school service personnel are trying to stave off a bill that hasn’t even been introduced yet. What some are calling an omnibus education bill would boost teacher salaries and benefits, but could also reform education in ways the unions oppose.
The American Federation of Teachers-West Virginia, the West Virginia Education Association, the West Virginia Association of Elementary and Middle School...