David Walker (D-Clay)
House of Delegates
WV Legislature-District 33
The House passed a bill this week concerning the expiration date for provisions that allow the employment of retired teachers as substitutes. Because of the critical need for, and yet the shortage of educators, this bill resets the time limit to 2014.
This bill has completed legislation and will be sent to the desk of the governor for his signature. Hopefully, it will help our youth to be provided with certified teachers in a time when they are in short supply.
In addition, House Education passed a bill that would add to the definition of harassment, intimidation or bullying. The bill would require a child to attend two months of counseling provided by a school if he or she is found to be harassing, intimidating or bullying a fellow student. It would also provide consequences for failure to comply with the counseling requirement.
With these pieces of legislation, we can look forward to safer, more productive schools where West Virginia children can get the best education possible.
The Hidden Promise Consortium is a Glenville State College program that is already aiding our state's furthering of education. By partnering with 20 different school districts across the state, including those in my district, this program offers lower income students the opportunity to continue their education at a college level. Participants are provided with a $1,000 per year scholarship to Glenville State.
This is a wonderful program that I encourage my constituents to look into if they are interested into funding for college.
Finally, I would like to thank those of my constituents who stopped by the capitol this week. The Clay County High School percussion ensemble gave a terrific performance as did the Big Otter Elementary School choir.
I was also happy to have representatives from the Clay County Golden Delicious Festival.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comment that you feel need addressed. You can reach me by calling 304-340-3135, by e-mailing dwalker@mail.wvnet.edu or writing to my office address: Room 210W, Building 1, State Capitol Complex Charleston, W.Va. 25305.
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