HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 56

(By Delegates Mezzatesta, Williams and Stemple)




Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make a study of the shortage of principals.

Whereas, While the nation has taken the responsibility to focus its education resources on the potential of a building teacher shortage, another professional shortage has developed that already generates problems in West Virginia. Increasingly schools and school districts around the state are experiencing difficulty filling principal's positions with qualified applicants who exhibit the promise to be exemplary school leaders ; and
Whereas, It is also becoming increasingly difficult to sustain a healthy degree of job satisfaction among existing principals as changes in the role have led to the erosion of principals' autonomy and their ability to positively influence opportunities for children's and teachers success in schools, and forms of community involvement in schools change the notion of what it means to be a "school leader" ; and
Whereas, While long term study of the conditions leading to the supply and quality of these problems will prove to be beneficial, strategic work to policy changes, professional development and professional preparation may help to improve working conditions for principals and create a climate for more successful recruitment into the role, and ensure that existing principals are better sustained. Themes that capture these potential strategic directions include: Capacity Building for Practicing Principals, Source and Availability of New Principals, Rewards and Compensation for Practicing Principals and Roles, Responsibilities of Principals, the Status of the Principals and Professional Empowerment
; 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 the issue of professional preparation, development and support structures for principal practice and the need to provide a program to improve working conditions for principals and create a climate for more successful recruitment into the role of principal and ensure that existing principals are better sustained, including how to create institutes that support emerging leaders in the teaching community who chose a principal's career, examining potential policy changes that would help enlarge the pool of qualified principals, examining the level of clerical support available to principals that facilitate the successful conduct of their work, examining statutes and rules governing the relationship between the principal and teacher and community leadership groups, consideration of policy changes including lengthening the number of contract days for practicing principals and adjusting the pay allocation ratios so more positions are created; and to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding the same; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, two thousand one, 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.