WV EDUCATION BILL Debate Over WV Education Bill Turns To Teacher Hiring
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Heath Harrison
Reported: Mar. 3, 2013 3:23 PM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's bid to rewrite teacher hiring practices has sparked an early battle as the Legislature wades through his proposed overhaul of West Virginia's public schools.
The governor wants seniority given less weight. His bill places it among several other factors, and allows county boards to decide which to emphasize when choosing applicants.
Boards would also have to consider what principals and faculty senates recommend. Other proposed changes include reducing seniority's role in transfers.
Groups representing teachers have denounced these provisions. They argue the proposed changes shortchange teachers and invite cronyism. Critics also question how these changes would improve student achievement.
But superintendents in both large and small counties are among those welcoming Tomblin's proposal. They say the best teacher isn't always the one hired under current practices.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Greenbrier clinic receives federal grant May 21, 2013 6:50 AM EDT A clinic in Greenbrier County has received more than half a million dollars in federal funding for preventive care improvements and operations.
Western Ky. ferry plans to resume Tuesday May 21, 2013 4:02 AM EDT Almost a month to the day after it closed, the Dorena-Hickman Ferry in western Kentucky expects to resume service Tuesday.
City urges patience during Cleveland filming May 21, 2013 6:48 AM EDT City officials in Cleveland are asking residents for patience while the filming of a big-budget movie ties up traffic near downtown for the next several weeks.
Associated Press
