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Bill

HB 2475

To provide a raise for special education aides, as well as a raise for self-contained special education teachers.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Brooks and 9 co-sponsors

House Bill 2475 boosts salaries for special education aides and teachers in West Virginia, addressing staffing shortages to enhance education for students with special needs.

To House Finance
#education(k12)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2475

Summary of House Bill 2475

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2475 aims to enhance the compensation of special education aides and self-contained special education teachers in West Virginia. The bill seeks to address the critical need for qualified personnel in special education by increasing salaries and defining procedures for filling critical vacancies in schools.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  1. Salary Adjustments for Special Education Aides:

    • Personnel classified as Aide II or Aide V in self-contained special education classrooms will have their salaries matched to those of Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teachers.
    • An additional 5% raise will be applied to the salary of Aide V positions.

  2. Pay Increase for Special Education Teachers:

    • All self-contained special education teachers will receive a 10% salary increase in addition to their current pay grade.

  3. Definition of Critical Vacancy:

    • A "critical vacancy" is defined as a position essential for maintaining student success, safety, and compliance with certification standards.

  4. Filling Critical Vacancies:

    • In cases of critical vacancies, board staff certified in the relevant subject area will be required to temporarily fill the position until a qualified replacement is hired.

Affected Parties

  • Special Education Aides: Those classified as Aide II and Aide V will benefit from salary increases.
  • Special Education Teachers: Self-contained classroom teachers will see a significant pay raise.
  • School Boards: They will have new responsibilities regarding the employment of staff in critical vacancies.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 17, 2025
  • Reported in Committee: March 19, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill is under consideration in the House Finance Committee as of March 20, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 2475 represents a significant step towards improving the financial incentives for special education personnel in West Virginia. By increasing salaries and addressing staffing shortages, the bill aims to enhance the quality of education for students with special needs. The proposed changes reflect a commitment to supporting both educators and students in the special education system.

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

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