West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB5431

Introduced
2/2/24  

Caption

Permitting county boards of education to send parents of students who are chronically disruptive the pro-rated amount of their education and to remove them from the school system for a year to continue their education

Impact

The bill's proposed measures reflect attempts to address significant behavioral issues in schools, specifically targeting students who demonstrate chronic disruptions. By enabling the financial support for alternative educational arrangements, it sets a precedent for how such behavioral challenges are managed within the educational system. The funding provided to parents is earmarked solely for continuing their child's education, which may help ensure that these students do not fall behind academically.

Summary

House Bill 5431 aims to amend West Virginia's educational laws by allowing county boards of education to send parents or legal guardians of students identified as chronically disruptive a prorated amount of their education funding. Under this bill, such students may be removed from public school or charter school settings for a year, during which they must continue their education through alternative pathways, such as homeschooling. This initiative arises in response to challenges educators face with disruptive behaviors, both verbal and physical, and seeks to create safer and more conducive learning environments for all students.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 5431 is mixed. Supporters believe the bill will foster an improved learning environment by allowing educators to better manage classroom behavior, ultimately aiding in the overall educational experience for non-disruptive students. Conversely, critics may view the removal of students as punitive and argue that such measures could lead to educational neglect, particularly if families decline or are unable to provide adequate home education alternatives.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding the bill include concerns about the definitions of 'chronically disruptive' and the potential for misuse of the removal process. Additionally, the proposed financial penalties for parents who fail to use funds appropriately raise questions about enforcement and equity. Critics may argue that while the bill intends to improve school safety and efficacy, it risks invalidating the rights of students who may require additional support and intervention rather than removal.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV HB3035

Relating generally to high-quality education programs and school operations

WV SB589

Relating to nonpublic kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school education

WV HB2863

Creating a homeless education coordinator for county schools

WV HB2357

Granting jurisdiction to supervise youth sport league events to county boards of education and the Secondary School Activities Commission

WV HB2005

Establishing the dual enrollment pilot program to be administered by the Higher Education Policy Commission and the Council for Community and Technical College Education in conjunction with the State Board of Education.

WV HB3317

Relating to removing specific continuing education requirements

WV SB512

Providing that continuing education credits shall be valid for three years

WV HB2003

Providing early childhood assistant teachers and systems of support to help students achieve grade level literacy and numeracy by end of third grade.

WV HB3533

Granting jurisdiction to supervise youth sport league events to county boards of education and the West Virginia Athletic Trainers Association

WV HB3171

Provide that continuing education credits shall not expire for 3 years

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.