HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8
(By Delegates Jenkins and Mezzatesta)
(Introduced March 3, 1997; referred to the Committee on Rules.)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make
a study of implementing Charter School legislation in the
State of West Virginia.
Whereas, Charter Schools are recognized by many as the most
powerful and promising education reform movement in decades; and
Whereas, Education reform through Charter Schools is a
paradigm shift in the way we educate our students by placing more
power, authority, and accountability in the schools at the local
level, with the central goal to help schools produce higher
student achievement; and
Whereas, Charter Schools are public schools; and
Whereas, Over 25 states currently authorize Charter Schools,
emphasizing increased school autonomy and shared decision making
with teachers, parents, students and community members; and
Whereas, As many as 350 Charter Schools operating nationally
are experiencing higher student performance, more efficient use
of resources, increased skills and satisfaction in school
administrators and teachers, and greater community involvement; and
Whereas, The Charter School is a bipartisan initiative
endorsed by President Clinton and Republican and Democratic
governors and lawmakers across theand nation; and
Whereas, Legislation is being considered at the federal level
making funds available to help finance start-up costs for new
Charter Schools; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to review, examine and study implementing Charter
School legislation; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1998,
on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with
drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its
recommendation; 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.