West Virginia Senate Bill SB48

West Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

Relating to licensed school psychologists salary supplement and expense reimbursements

Impact

The implementation of SB48 would directly affect laws governing teacher salaries and benefits in West Virginia's public schools, by formally including school psychologists in salary and reimbursement programs previously available primarily to those with national certification. This bill is intended to help the state recruit and retain high-quality professionals in school psychology, contributing to better educational outcomes for students through enhanced access to qualified mental health resources in schools.

Summary

Senate Bill 48 proposes amendments to the West Virginia Code relating to the eligibility of licensed school psychologists for salary supplements and expense reimbursements. The bill seeks to provide equal annual salary increases to school psychologists who hold a license from the West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists, similar to their counterparts who have attained national professional certification by the National Association of School Psychologists. This legislative initiative aims to recognize the professional expertise of school psychologists and encourage them to pursue advanced credentials that are beneficial for educational services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB48 is largely supportive among education advocates and mental health organizations, who view it as a necessary step in elevating the standards for school psychologists and acknowledging their critical role in the educational system. However, there could be concerns about the financial implications for state budgets concerning salary supplements and reimbursements, as the actual implementation will depend on appropriations and could strain existing financial resources.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the funding mechanisms for the proposed salary supplements and whether these costs will be sustainable in the long term. Additionally, there may be discussions around the prioritization of funding for such salary increases over other pressing educational needs, particularly in a climate of budget constraints.