SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 35

(By Senators Grady, Clements, Azinger, Boley, Chapman, Deeds, Maynard, Oliverio, Plymale, Roberts, Stover, Taylor, and Trump)

[Originating in the Committee on Education; reported March 5, 2024]

Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the efficiency and accountability of county boards of education.

Whereas, County boards of education are responsible for supervising the efficient operation of local school districts pursuant to W. Va. Code §18-5-1; and

Whereas, County boards of education are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of schools to meet rigorous outcomes that guarantee and support student performance and progress toward obtaining the knowledge and skills intrinsic to a high-quality education; and

Whereas, County boards of education are responsible for operating and maintaining school facilities efficiently and economically to appropriately serve the student population; and

Whereas, County boards of education are responsible for optimizing available resources in a fiscally responsible manner that ensures all students are provided high-quality and highly effective educators and support personnel; and

Whereas, County boards of education are responsible for supporting regular school attendance and are required to take decisive actions to reduce chronic absenteeism; and

Whereas, County boards of education members are responsible for obtaining the background knowledge and skills necessary to engage in frequent, meaningful conversation to improve student achievement through effective policy governance; and

Whereas, the Legislature recognizes the important supervisory role county boards of education play in providing a thorough and efficient education system to West Virginia students; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the efficiency and accountability of county boards of education; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2025, 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.