Providing for substantial deference to state school superintendent's interpretations of school laws

SB 146 requires county boards of education, county superintendents, their employees, and the West Virginia Public Employees' Grievance Board to follow the State Superintendent of Schools' interpretations of school laws and State Board of Education rules. It mandates "substantial deference" to these interpretations unless a state or federal court has already ruled otherwise on the same legal question. The bill directly affects local education officials and grievance processes by centralizing authority over school law interpretation with the State Superintendent. This policy change aims to create consistency in applying education regulations across West Virginia's school systems. (West Virginia Senate Bill 146, introduced February 12, 2025)