Education (Teachers)

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 4, 2026

SB 176: Increasing non-traditional instruction days for WV teachers

SB 176 amends West Virginia law to increase the number of non-traditional instruction days that count toward the required 180 instructional days from five to ten days per school year. This change directly affects West Virginia school districts and teachers, allowing counties to use up to five days for alternative instruction during closures (e.g., weather-related school shutdowns) and up to five additional days for teacher-led instructional improvement activities without students present. The bill specifies that these days count as full instructional days for both student calendar requirements and teacher employment terms. It does not change the total instructional time needed but provides greater flexibility in scheduling closures and professional development.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases teacher professional development days (5 additional days for instructional improvement), supporting educator effectiveness and school continuity without student presence.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 241: Allowing Board of Education to prohibit individuals on sex offender registry from being on school property

This bill prohibits individuals listed on West Virginia's state sex offender registry from entering public school property, attending school events, or participating in school activities - including those involving their own children - without permission from the county superintendent. It requires parent-teacher conferences involving such individuals to be held via phone or virtual meeting instead of in person. Violating this prohibition carries penalties: a first offense is a misdemeanor (up to six months in jail), and subsequent offenses are felonies (one to five years in prison). The State Board of Education may also develop rules to implement these provisions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProtects student safety on school property by restricting sex offenders, a core educational safety measure directly addressing K-12 school environment protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Teachers

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 16, 2026

HB 4465: Regarding Substitute Teacher Pay

HB 4465 would adjust substitute teacher pay in West Virginia by increasing rates after specific work periods. After 10 consecutive days in the same position, substitutes would earn 80% of the advanced salary (based on teaching experience), and after 30 days, they would receive the full advanced salary - matching the daily rate for full-time teachers in their county. This applies to substitutes working in the same position within a school year. The bill replaces the current minimum of 80% of the basic salary rate for all assignments with this tiered system.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases substitute teacher pay to match full-time rates after 30 days, strengthening educator compensation and retention in K-12 schools.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill increases substitute teacher pay after 10/30 days, aligning rates with full-time teachers' advanced salaries, directly strengthening wage compensation for workers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026

HB 4937: Establish mandated monthly half days for students to all allow school staff planning time

HB 4937 requires West Virginia public school county boards to schedule one mandatory monthly half-day for staff planning time each school year. This provision applies directly to school staff (teachers, administrators) and is implemented using the existing "equivalent time" allowance under current law, which allows counties to add up to five days of instructional time by extending daily schedules. The bill mandates that at least one of these designated days must be used specifically for staff development activities like curriculum planning or professional meetings, without students present. This policy change ensures consistent time for educators to improve instruction, aligning with existing requirements for meeting the 180-day instructional calendar.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates monthly staff planning time to improve teacher effectiveness, directly supporting K-12 educators per bill's intent and subject classification.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Teachers

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signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4765: Teacher, School Personnel, and State Police Pay Raise

HB 4765 increases annual base salaries for West Virginia State Police officers, public school teachers, school service personnel, and forensic laboratory staff, effective July 1, 2026. The bill establishes specific salary schedules for police ranks (e.g., troopers, sergeants, captains), school personnel, and forensic roles (e.g., evidence custodians, forensic scientists), with detailed pay tables showing incremental increases. It directly affects over 10,000 state employees across law enforcement, education, and forensic services. The legislation provides fixed annual salary adjustments based on position and length of service, with no additional provisions beyond these compensation changes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates increased state budget for public employee salaries (10,000+ positions), establishing specific pay tables and funding increments effective 2026.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationDirectly increases base salaries for public school teachers and school personnel, advancing educator compensation and retention in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026

HB 4904: Relating to critical vacancies in public education

This bill defines a "critical vacancy" as a teaching position essential for student success, safety, and compliance with certification standards. It requires school districts to have certified staff fill these vacancies immediately - without waiting for permanent hires - by assigning them to the relevant classroom. The bill also establishes a process for recruiting new teachers through posted critical need positions, temporary employment of recent graduates, and optional financial incentives like signing bonuses.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires immediate certified staff for critical vacancies, establishes recruitment processes for teacher shortages, directly addressing K-12 staffing needs to support student success and safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Teachers

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 20, 2026

SB 516: Increasing state minimum salary for teachers

SB 516 sets a new state minimum salary of $50,000 for all West Virginia public school teachers beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, replacing the previous minimum schedule. It also provides a $2,000 annual base salary increase for every teacher and an additional $1,200 annual increase specifically for teachers providing math instruction or special education services. The bill amends the state salary schedule to reflect these changes, ensuring all teachers meet the new $50,000 minimum regardless of experience level or degree. This policy directly affects every public school teacher in West Virginia, with the changes taking effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates state budget increases for teacher salaries through new minimums and annual raises, directly funding public education via increased appropriations.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill sets $50,000 minimum teacher salary and provides annual increases, directly supporting educators through enhanced compensation and targeted incentives for critical teaching areas.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentIncreases teacher minimum wage to $50,000 and provides additional annual salary boosts, directly advancing worker compensation standards in employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Special Education Teachers

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 20, 2026

HB 4584: Market pay for Teachers

HB 4584 establishes a market-based pay enhancement for West Virginia teachers in counties where the regional median home price exceeds the state average. It calculates an annual lump-sum payment for teachers in those counties by comparing regional home prices (including contiguous border counties/states) to West Virginia's statewide median home price, then applying a multiplier to the county's average teacher salary. The State Board of Education determines this adjustment every five years starting in 2027, certifies the amount to the State Auditor, and payments are distributed annually as taxable income. This directly affects certified teachers in specific counties with higher regional cost-of-living compared to West Virginia's average, aiming to make salaries competitive with neighboring areas.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds for teacher pay increases in high-cost counties, boosting education budget spending.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides market-based pay enhancement for teachers in high-cost counties, increasing teacher compensation via salary adjustments tied to regional home prices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Teachers

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 21, 2026

HB 4701: Relating to the creation of the West Virginia Math & Science Teacher Scholarship Act

HB 4701 creates the West Virginia Math & Science Teacher Scholarship Act, providing debt relief to certified math, science, and special education teachers working in West Virginia public schools. Eligible teachers receive up to $2,000 after three years of service and an additional $2,000 after six years (capped at $4,000 total), contingent on holding a master's degree in their specialty field and meeting residency requirements. The program, administered by the state's education office, requires teachers to maintain employment in qualifying positions to receive funds. It will operate from January 1, 2027, through January 1, 2037, with a sunset provision.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides debt relief ($4k max) to math/science teachers via scholarships, supporting educator retention and professional development in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education Student Financial Aid Teachers

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 83: Reducing number of days required for certain educators to apply for full-time employment

SB 83 reduces the required number of days substitute teachers must work in a school year to accrue seniority for full-time teaching positions, from 133 days to 80 days. This change applies specifically to non-retired substitute teachers seeking permanent, full-time roles, excluding retired educators. The bill modifies existing law to make seniority eligibility more accessible by lowering the employment threshold. This policy directly affects substitute educators in West Virginia school districts aiming for permanent teaching positions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationReduces substitute teacher seniority threshold from 133 to 80 days, making full-time educator roles more accessible and supporting career advancement for educators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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