SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 98

(By Senators Plymale, Wells, Beach, Chafin, Edgell, Laird, Stollings, Tucker, Wills and Boley)

[Originating in the Committee on Education]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on the results and recommendations of the Education Efficiency Audit of West Virginia’s Primary and Secondary Education System (Public Works, 2012) to determine which recommendations presented within may move the state toward receiving the highest return on the educational dollars spent while producing the best possible outcomes for its students.

    Whereas, The Education Efficiency Audit of West Virginia’s Primary and Secondary Education System uses an array of techniques to identify issues, research possible solutions to determine best practices and develop recommendations designed to identify opportunities for savings and eliminate duplication of effort; and

    Whereas, The same audit finds that West Virginia ranks eighth in the nation in education expenditures relative to income; and

    Whereas, The U.S. Department of Commerce finds that West Virginia ranks seventh nationally in salaries, exclusive of benefit payments, relative to the State’s income levels; and

    Whereas, Despite the funds expended, West Virginia students score below the national average on twenty-one of the twenty-four indicators of student performance as reported by the National Assessment of Educational Progress; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Legislature hereby requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on the results and recommendations of the Education Efficiency Audit of West Virginia’s Primary and Secondary Education System (Public Works, 2012) to determine which recommendations presented within may move the state toward receiving the highest return on the educational dollars spent while producing the best possible outcomes for its students; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2013, 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.