Gov. Jim Justice of West Virginia has introduced a bill in the Senate on education reforms. He wants to overhaul the system that will put school boards in control.
Justice has made true his promise on education reforms on the day he was inaugurated. His proposal, Senate Bill 420, was entered into the Legislation session on Feb. 23.
"Our local school districts and parents have lost control of what's going on in the classroom," the governor wrote in his statement, published at the official site. "My plan will transform our public schools into a world-class education system that gives all of our students a shot at success and allows our teachers the freedom to teach."
Among his proposals, the governor wants to remove "rigid regulations" imposed on teachers and reduce over-testing students. He also wants to restructure, if not eliminate, the state's Department of Education, the Regional Education Service Agencies (RESA) and the School Building Authority.
RESA, in particular, will impact big changes should the bill get passed. The agency aids public schools in bulk buying resources, as well teachers' training and sharing of specialized staff across the state.
Justice also wants an increase in the wages of classroom teachers. He plans to establish a county superintendents' advisory council to oversee public school operations, according to Metro News.
State Senate President Mitch Carmichael and Senate Minority Leader Sen. Roman Prezioso has promised to support the governor's bill. "The current system is not working," Carmichael said, per The State Journal, citing the move is in the right direction.
Carmichael also said he hasn't fully reviewed the 60-page proposal, particularly regarding teachers' wages. As it is, the state's budget is already $450 million in deficit and other state workers are also deserving of a raise, not just the teachers. The deliberation at the Senate, however, should be able to work out these details in Justice's bill.
