HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 156

(By Delegates Pasdon and Mr. Speaker, Mr. Armstead)

[Originating in the Committee on Rules]

(March 14, 2015)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to create a legislative task force on public charter schools to make recommendations on best practices, procedures and methods for the implementation of public charter schools in the state.

            Whereas, Public charter schools encourage the use of different, high quality models of teaching, scheduling and other aspects of public schooling through a governing structure that allows public charter schools freedom and flexibility in exchange for exceptional levels of results-driven accountability; and

            Whereas, Public charter schools improve student learning by creating more quality public schools with high standards for student performance that meet a variety of student needs; and

            Whereas, Public charter schools increase high-quality educational opportunities within the public education system for all students, especially those at risk of academic failure, and are helping to close achievement gaps between high-performing and low-performing groups of public school students; and

            Whereas, Public charter schools provide students and parents with publically supported, public school options to choose from in pursuing a thorough and efficient education, as well as expanded opportunities for involvement in the public education system; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

            That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to create a legislative task force on public charter schools to make recommendations on best practices, procedures and methods for the implementation of public charter schools in the state; and be it

            Further Resolved, That the task force shall be appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates and shall be comprised of fifteen individuals as follows, except that the legislative members shall be appointed individually by the President and Speaker from the members of their respective bodies, one of whom from each body shall serve as the co-chairs of the task force:

            (1) Three members of the West Virginia Senate;

            (2) Three members of the House of Delegates;

            (3) Two parents or guardians of students currently enrolled in the public schools;

            (3) One member of the West Virginia Board of Education or their designee;

            (4) One teacher holding certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards;

            (5) One public school principal;

            (6) One county superintendent;

            (7) One county school board member;

            (8) One person from a private sector employer of more than twenty-five employees; and

            (9) One person from a private sector employer of twenty-five or less employees; and be it

            Further Resolved, That in developing its recommendations, the task force shall consult with national organizations knowledgeable in the best practices, practices, procedures and methods for implementation of public charter schools and hear testimony from other interested organizations and individuals in this state; and be it

            Further Resolved, That the task force shall report its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations to the Legislature not later than November, 2015; and be it

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