W.Va. Republicans Pitch Education Bill, Allows For Charter Schools But Doesn't Include Vouchers
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia Senate Republicans have pitched a broad-based education plan that allows for charter schools but doesn't include vouchers.
Senate President Mitch Carmichael released a lengthy draft of the proposal late Friday and says it's a compromise that folds in many ideas backed by Democrats.
The legislation includes a pay raise for teachers, mental health services for students and a provision that would withhold pay for teachers if a school is closed because of a strike.
Republican Gov. Jim Justice issued a statement praising the bill as a bipartisan effort to better the state's education system.
Senate Democratic Minority Leader Roman Prezioso also released a statement saying they want to fully review the bill but that they are glad to have some common ground to move forward on.
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