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HB 2486

Relating to addressing School Discipline in Public Schools

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shawn Fluharty and 7 co-sponsors

HB 2486 improves school discipline in West Virginia by analyzing data, developing equitable programs, and ensuring transparency and accountability for better student outcomes.

To House Education
#education(k12)
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Bill Summary · HB 2486

Summary of House Bill 2486: Addressing School Discipline in Public Schools

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 2486
Title: Relating to addressing School Discipline in Public Schools
Status: To House Education
Introduced: February 17, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Education (K-12)

House Bill 2486 aims to enhance the approach to school discipline across West Virginia public schools by analyzing disciplinary actions and implementing a statewide program to improve outcomes.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 2486 is to address and improve the disciplinary practices within K-12 public schools in West Virginia. The bill seeks to ensure that disciplinary actions are fair, equitable, and effective, particularly for students from various subgroups, including those defined by race, gender, and disability.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  1. Data Analysis and Program Development:

    • The West Virginia Department of Education (DOE) is tasked with analyzing statewide data on school disciplinary actions.
    • Based on this analysis, the DOE will develop a comprehensive program aimed at reducing the number of disciplinary actions taken against students.

  2. Implementation by County Boards:

    • County boards of education are required to implement the program developed by the DOE, focusing on improving disciplinary outcomes for students.

  3. Reporting Requirements:

    • The DOE must prepare a report detailing the findings from the statewide disciplinary data and the progress of both the statewide program and individual county programs.
    • This report will be presented to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability every two years, starting in 2022.

  4. Annual and Periodic Updates:

    • The DOE is required to provide an annual report on school discipline to the Legislative Oversight Commission, detailing the progress of the statewide school discipline plan.
    • Additionally, the DOE must provide periodic updates during legislative interim meetings.

  5. Public Access to Data:

    • The bill mandates that school discipline data be included on the DOE dashboard, ensuring public access to this information.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2486 is expected to have several impacts:

  • Improved Disciplinary Practices: By analyzing data and implementing targeted programs, the bill aims to create a more equitable disciplinary environment in schools.
  • Increased Accountability: Regular reporting to the Legislative Oversight Commission will hold the DOE and county boards accountable for their disciplinary practices and outcomes.
  • Transparency: Public access to discipline data will allow stakeholders, including parents and community members, to better understand disciplinary trends and practices in their local schools.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 17, 2025: HB 2486 was filed for introduction and referred to the Committee on Education.
  • February 17, 2025: The bill was introduced in the House and subsequently sent to the House Education committee.

In summary, HB 2486 represents a significant step towards reforming school discipline in West Virginia, with a focus on data-driven approaches and accountability to improve outcomes for all students.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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