West Virginia House Passes Student Discipline Bill, 93-4

The West Virginia House of Delegates has passed House Bill 2515, aimed at addressing violent behavior in elementary schools. The bill, which received overwhelming support with a 93-4 vote, specifies criteria for teachers to identify and act upon violent or disruptive student behavior, including immediate removal from the classroom and parental notification. It also advocates for the establishment of alternative learning centers to accommodate chronically disruptive students, and outlines steps for discipline, including suspensions and potential expulsion for repeated offenses. Additionally, the House is considering House Bill 3101, which would standardize the academic calendar by starting classes after Labor Day and ending before Memorial Day, to provide a predictable framework for families. The legislative session is ongoing, with both bills now heading to the state Senate for further consideration. The proposals reflect responses to increasing concerns over classroom safety and the need for structured school schedules.