HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8
(By Delegates Jenkins and Mezzatesta)
(Introduced March 3, 1997; referred to the Committee on Rules.)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make a study of implementing Charter School legislation in the State of West Virginia.

Whereas, Charter Schools are recognized by many as the most powerful and promising education reform movement in decades; and
Whereas, Education reform through Charter Schools is a paradigm shift in the way we educate our students by placing more power, authority, and accountability in the schools at the local level, with the central goal to help schools produce higher student achievement; and
Whereas, Charter Schools are public schools; and
Whereas, Over 25 states currently authorize Charter Schools, emphasizing increased school autonomy and shared decision making with teachers, parents, students and community members; and
Whereas, As many as 350 Charter Schools operating nationally are experiencing higher student performance, more efficient use of resources, increased skills and satisfaction in school administrators and teachers, and greater community involvement; and
Whereas, The Charter School is a bipartisan initiative endorsed by President Clinton and Republican and Democratic governors and lawmakers across theand nation; and
Whereas, Legislation is being considered at the federal level making funds available to help finance start-up costs for new Charter Schools; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to review, examine and study implementing Charter School legislation; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1998, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendation; 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.