Senate Session Update:

On Monday, the West Virginia Senate passed another omnibus education bill that would, among many other things, legalize charter schools, prohibit county superintendents from closing schools in anticipation of strikes and implement punitive measures toward striking teachers and service personnel.

The measure passed on a 18-15 vote, with all Democrats present voting no, and Sens. Bill Hamilton, R-Upshur, and Kenny Mann, R-Monroe, also voting no. Sen. Robert Plymale, D-Wayne, was absent.

Additionally, a bill to permit education savings accounts passed the Senate by the same

On Monday, the Senate passed SB 1039, titled the “Student Success Act” but more commonly known as Omnibus 2.0. The omnibus bill, similar to its predecessor SB 451 that was defeated earlier this year, contains a wide variety of helpful and harmful provisions for public schools.

Major provisions of Omnibus 2.0 include:

· Allows for an unlimited number of charter schools, subject to authorization by local boards of education, or the state board for counties that choose to not be an authorizer. Charter boards authorized to contract with “any third party” for “any service, activity, or undertaking”

Planning to travel to the Capitol during the upcoming special session? Use this tool to announce carpools or bus plans set up in your area or search for travel options from your local area.

Click here to RSVP to the town hall. 

JOB POSTING

POSITION:  STAFF REPRESENTATIVE / AFT-WV PEG PROJECT

Posting Date:  August 1, 2019

Salary:  Competitive with benefits

Benefits:

• Paid Vacation
• Travel Expenses
• Sick Leave
• Retirement
• Dental/Vision/Medical/Life Insurance

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Organizing
• Grievance Handling
• Assistance to locals
• Professional issues development
• General service work normal to staff within AFT-WV
• Member advocacy and engagement

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Substantial understanding of AFT and AFT-WV philosophy
• Ability to meet deadlines; give and receive feedback relevant to the duties assigned
• Ability to set goals and assess outcomes
• St

AFT-WV is hosting its' 4th annual Marshall University football game and tailgate for the Cincinnati game on Saturday, September 28th.

The WVBE plans to continue the work of the West Virginia’s Education Voice tour that the WVDE held last spring and host six additional meetings during the month of October. The purpose of this continued outreach effort is to provide an opportunity for members of the public to inform the work, processes and policies of the WVBE that support high-quality learning. The meetings will consist of discussions facilitated by WVDE staff and external stakeholders. In addition, comment cards will be available on-site and an online survey will also be posted for respondents to share their thoughts and

PEIA Finance Board Public Hearings Scheduled for November

The PEIA Finance Board wants your input! Proposals for Plan Year 2021 (Benefits from 7/1/20 – 6/30/21) are being finalized now.

PEIA Plan Year 2021 Public Hearing Presentation

Public hearings are scheduled around the state as follows:

DATES AND LOCATIONS

• Tuesday, November 12, 2019 -- Telephonic Dial in: 304-410-0513, Conference ID: 304-410-0513. Conference will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 13, 2019 -- Morgantown WVU, The Erickson Alumni Center, One Alumni Drive

• Tuesday, November 19, 2019 -- Charleston The Culture Center