AFT-WV Final Special Session Legislative Update
The special session concluded with the State Senate and House unable to bridge their differences on two bills. In addition, the House Education Committee voted down another and placed a fourth in a subcommittee where it died. As a result, of the seven bills originally proposed, only three were able to secure the support of both the House of Delegates and State Senate. Of the three, two were initiated and supported by AFT-WV; Alternative Learning Centers and the Community School Pilot Program. Moreover, bills we consider harmful to public education, such as charter schools, were not part of the special session due to AFT-WV’s opposition.
The bottom line, however, is that we were once again well served by the leadership of the House of Delegates and, in particular, all the members of the House Education Committee. Whereas the State Senate passed all seven of the Governor’s bills, the House was more deliberative and we owe them our thanks for passing legislation that will provide a safer and more secure learning environment for our students and employees, empower our faculty and pilot real reform in our schools.
Here is a brief synopsis of the legislation that passed.
Student Discipline and Alternative Learning Centers: The bill establishes uniform standards for all alternative learning centers (ALCs) and to create a pilot program to include up to 5 multi-county ALCs as well as ALCs for elementary schools and middle schools. After the testimony of Bob Brown (Executive Director of WVSSPA), the House Finance Committee voted to approve a $1 million supplemental appropriation for the centers. This was then approved by the full House and Senate.
Teacher empowerment teams: The bill stipulates if at least 80% of the faculty senate and 80% of the LSIC agree, then a school can request a waiver of state board policy or statutes creating certain committees and replace them with collaborative teams. The role of Faculty Senates and LSICs remains unchanged. An appeal process will be available for those waivers that are not approved.
Community School Pilot Program: The bill creates a special community school pilot program to be implemented at one public school for the duration of five years. The school, to be designated by the State Superintendent, will have significant enrollments of disadvantaged minority and under-achieving students. The school will work with community organizations, higher education and the State Board to develop and implement strategies that could be replicated in other schools with similar enrollment characteristics. This pilot program is a direct result of the hard work, efforts and testimony by the community coalition led by Reverend Matthew Watts. All other provisions (differential pay, career ladder) were stricken from the bill.