Committee Substitute

for

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Number 31

(By Delegates Walters, Robinson, Zatezalo, Hanshaw, Shott, Nelson and O’Neal)

[Originating in the Committee on Education; Reported April 5, 2017]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the possibility of reducing the number of county boards of education in the state along with other educational reorganization.

            Whereas, Economies of scale could be realized by reducing the present fifty-five county  boards of education to a smaller number of districts as appropriate to do all education related activities; and

Whereas, Any such change may be implemented over a reasonable period; and

Whereas, Consolidation of boards of education may require consideration of the feasibility of phasing out the terms of members of the current boards of education resulting in the organization of new boards for the districts composed of the appropriate number of members with a number to be determined of members having two year terms, members having four year terms, and members having six year terms; and

Whereas, The study should investigate the best and most cost efficient way to fund public schools that will be consistent across all districts including possible funding directly from the state; and

Whereas, Regional education services agencies may be eliminated and fire service and other training may be provided by alternative means; and

Whereas, The State Board of Education shall assist in this study; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the possibility of reducing the number of county boards of education in the state along with other educational reorganization; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2018, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.