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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
CAMC takes out $20m loan for future use May 23, 2013 3:23 AM EDT Charleston Area Medical Center is taking out a $20 million loan for unspecified future uses.
Louisville's Shakespeare in the Park scheduled May 23, 2013 4:02 AM EDT The Shakespeare in the Park series in Louisville is set to begin in June. This year's Shakespeare play will be "Twelfth Night."
Ohio's larger cities lose population May 23, 2013 6:58 AM EDT New U.S. Census estimates show that most large and medium-sized cities in Ohio lost population over the past two years, as many cities elsewhere saw gains.
Associated Press
