SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 64

(By Senators Rucker, Roberts, Azinger, Beach, Clements, Geffert, Grady, Karnes, Plymale, Romano, Stollings, and Tarr)

[Originating in the Committee on Education; reported on March 10, 2022]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the effectiveness of Local School Improvement Councils, including, but not limited to, the degree of implementation in the schools of the state, meeting frequency and regularity, and general operations.

Whereas, Local School Improvement Councils were established in 1990 through the Legislature’s adoption of Senate Bill 1 during the third extraordinary session; and

Whereas, Local School Improvement Councils “…facilitate and encourage the involvement of the school community in the operation of the local schools to improve educational quality…(by establishing) processes at each school which provide opportunities for involvement of the school community in the operation of the local schools and to support local initiatives to improve school performance” (W. Va. Code §18-5A-1 et seq.); and

Whereas, Local School Improvement Councils are comprised of various school constituent groups, including the school principal who serves as an ex officio member of the council, and is entitled to vote, and who arranges for the election of members to the Local School Improvement Council, and convenes the Council’s organizational meeting (W. Va. Code §18-5A-2);  and

Whereas, The Local School Improvement Councils’ membership includes educators and service personnel, with varied memberships for “vocational-technical schools” and schools of higher grade designations (W. Va. Code §18-5A-2);  and

Whereas, Parents and other community members also comprise Local School Improvement Council membership, including at-large members appointed by the school principal (W. Va. Code §18-5A-2); and

Whereas, The Local School Improvement Council is required to have “at least” one meeting to “engage parents, students, school employees, business partners and other interested parties in a positive and interactive dialogue regarding the school’s academic performance and standing… (which includes opportunities) for the parents, students, school employees, business partners and other interested parties to make specific suggestions on how to address issues which are seen to affect the school’s academic performance which may include, but not limited to, parent and community involvement, the learning environment, student engagement, attendance, supports for at-risk students, curricular offerings, resources and the capacity for school improvement…” (W. Va. Code §18-5A-2); and

Whereas, The Local School Improvement Council of “each school deemed to be low performing…shall meet at least annually with the county board…to address the dialogue at its meeting or meetings to give the parents, students, school employees, business partners and other interested parties an opportunity to make specific suggestions on how to address issues which are seen to affect the school’s academic performance and any other matters as may be requested by the county board (in the meeting agenda) provided to the council and may further provide any other information, comments or suggestions the local school improvement council wishes to bring to the county board’s attention…” (W. Va. Code §18-5A-2);  and

Whereas, Local School Improvement Council may provide alternatives to operations of a school, request waivers of rules, policies, interpretations, and statutes to implement these waivers (W. Va. Code §18-5A-3 and 3a); and

Whereas, County boards establish direct links between the county board and Local School Improvement Councils regarding the broad guidelines for oversight procedures, standards of accountability, and planning for future needs; in part, through annual meetings with the councils of each school deemed to be low performing (W. Va. Code §18-5-14); and

Whereas, County boards may meet with and request information from representatives of any of its Local School Improvement Councils at “such time and in such manner determined by the county board” (W. Va. Code §18-5-14), although Local School Improvement Councils may not “…restrict the ability of the county board of education in its efforts to effect county-wide school improvements (W. Va. Code §18-5A-1); and

Whereas, The degree to which Local School Improvement Councils function, understand their roles, and understand the abilities and powers provided them to effect change and innovation at the school and county level may not be well understood by the councils and local and state public education policy-makers at a time parents seek greater involvement in schools; and

Whereas, Well-functioning Local School Improvement Councils will enhance the entirety of the West Virginia public school system; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the effectiveness of Local School Improvement Councils, including, but not limited to, the degree of implementation in the schools of the state, meeting frequency and regularity, and general operations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study ascertain if Local School Improvement Councils are properly structured to ensure greater community involvement and engagement in schools, to inform county boards and state public education policy-makers, including the Legislature, regarding meaningful public education innovation which advances student achievement in their school communities, including technical assistance and resources the councils may expect from local and state educational entities to effectuate waivers of statutes, policies, and pursuit of innovation without undue policy imprint or influence of these entities which modify or diminish the councils’ abilities to accomplish statutory objectives, missions, and goals; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2023, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.