Charter School Choice
Does the state have charter schools?
Are for-profit charter schools or management companies allowed?
A charter applicant must have obtained 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or have submitted an application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
However, we did not find mention of whether an education service provider is required to be non-profit. An education service providers is defined as "an education management organization, school design provider, or any other partner entity with which a public charter school contracts for educational design, implementation, or comprehensive management."
Is there a cap on the number of charter schools?
"The total number of public charter schools authorized and in operation under an approved contract in this state shall be limited to 3 pilot public charter schools until July 1, 2023."
Are charters required to provide transportation for any students?
"(c) A public charter school authorized pursuant to this article is exempt from all statutes and rules applicable to a noncharter public school or board of education except the following:...(14) The same student transportation safety laws applicable to public schools when transportation is provided."
Can charter schools employ uncertified teachers?
"(b) A public charter school...(8) Is responsible for establishing a staffing plan that includes the requisite qualifications and any associated certification and/or licensure necessary for teachers and other instructional staff to be employed at the public charter school and for verifying that these requirements are met."
Virtual School Choice
Do state statutes allow for full-time virtual schools?
The West Virginia legislature created the West Virginia virtual school.
Are virtual schools required to track attendance?
Do virtual schools have to comply with state teacher certification requirements?
The director of the West Virginia Virtual School has the power to develop policy recommendations for consideration by the state board, which may include, but not be limited to, the following:
"(B) Standards of teachers and other school employees who are engaged in the activities surrounding the offering of courses on the Internet or other developing technologies"
"(H) Methods for employing persons who are the most familiar with the instructional goals and objectives to develop the courses to be offered on the Internet and through other developing technologies."
Private School Choice
Does the state have voucher programs?
Does the state have educational expense tuition tax credits or deductions?
Can students use vouchers to attend religious schools?
Is there a cap on the number of students or private schools participating in voucher programs?
Are voucher students in private schools required to take any standardized tests?
Can private schools be removed from voucher programs based on performance?
Are private schools in voucher programs required to provide transportation?
Interdistrict School Choice
Does the state have interdistrict choice programs?
State law allows for open enrollment [§18-5-16] as well as mutual agreement of two county boards regarding mass transfer of students [§18-5-13(f)(1)(C)].
"'Open enrollment' means a policy adopted and implemented by a county board to allow nonresident students to enroll in any school within the district."
County boards can enter into a mutual agreement to transfer students from one district to another. "The agreement shall be recorded in the meeting minutes of each participating county board..."
West Virginia Code §18-5-16(b): Student transfers; definitions
West Virginia Code §18-5-13(f)(1)(C)
Are receiving schools or districts required to provide transportation to any students?
County boards of education are not required to uniformly provide nonresident student transportation.