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Education Reform Bill Continues to Stir Up Debate

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This week’s reporter roundtable focuses on the week’s action over SB 451 – comprehensive education reform. We recap what happened with the bill since passing out of the West Virginia Senate on Monday, and where it is now in the committee process over in the House of Delegates.

Host Suzanne Higgins chats with Statehouse Reporters Brad McElhinny of WV Metro News and Phil Kabler of the Charleston Gazette-Mail. Here are highlights from the interview:

  • Halfway through the 2019 West Virginia Legislative Session; thoughts so far
  • Latest on SB 451 – comprehensive education reform
  • Two public hearings are scheduled in the House of Delegates over SB 451
    • Mon. Feb. 11 at 8:00 a.m.
    • Mon. Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Comments on the LGBTQ rights debate in the House
  • What’s next?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_xK-ya0KcU
Since the unveiling of the education reform bill, several Senate Democrats have challenged the constitutionality of public charter schools. West Virginia Public Broadcasting News Director Jesse Wright spoke to Joshua Weishart – an associate professor of law and policy at West Virginia University. Weishart also argues the charter schools provision in SB 451 is unconstitutional.

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