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Superintendent urges board to weigh proposed West Virginia 18A changes, flags training burden and enrollment declines
Summary
The superintendent briefed the board on proposed West Virginia education code (18A) changes, stressing requests for flexibility on graduation requirements, personnel rules and training, and warning the district has lost about 244 students this school year with related funding implications.
The Fayette County superintendent devoted the Dec. 16 board meeting to a detailed briefing on proposed changes to West Virginia education code (18A) and related state policy discussions. He said county superintendents and association representatives compiled a set of priorities — focusing on flexibility for graduation pathways, personnel rules and state aid — and urged the board to prepare for a grassroots meeting with legislators on Jan. 6.
The superintendent walked the board through examples he said illustrate why the district is asking for change, including variability in homeschool transcripts and how those records can affect student GPAs and scholarship eligibility. He said that in some cases homeschool transcripts can be adjusted in ways that make them inconsistent with public‑school records and that district leaders are asking for clarity and "teeth" in how alternative credentials are accepted.
He also outlined the training load required by federal law, West Virginia code and the West Virginia Board of Education, estimating that required trainings total roughly 2.5 workdays and that some staff groups face additional mandated hours. "At some point, I think I know FERPA," he said, arguing for reconsideration of refresher frequencies and suggesting task forces and contract adjustments to accommodate required training without unduly reducing instructional days.
The superintendent raised fiscal concerns: he reported the district has lost about 244 students this school year and said declining enrollment affects staffing and the funding formula. He asked the board to consider asking legislators for more flexibility in personnel and mid‑year transfers and to examine unfunded mandates.
Board members asked clarifying questions and commented on staffing and safety priorities. The superintendent closed by asking the board to invite legislators to the Jan. 6 meeting to discuss the proposed changes and provide local feedback before session deliberations.
