Gov. Patrick Morrisey traveled to Ripley Elementary School to sign legislation focused on how to handle the most disruptive students in classrooms.
The governor spoke in front of the elementary school students but was not indicating that they are disruptive. He broadened his message by describing a commitment to focusing on issues like educational attainment, teacher pay and literacy.
“We know that West Virginia, unfortunately, ranks nationally near the bottom in key metrics like educational attainment, teacher pay and literacy, but reversing course in these areas — that’s a major priority for my administration,” said Morrisey, a Republican in his first year as governor.
“And I know that the Legislature shares that sentiment. I pledge to you that I’m going to do whatever it takes to ensure that West Virginia kids excel. And we know that we can’t truly succeed as a state unless we have a world class educational system.”
The legislation that the governor was specifically at the school to sign is S.B. 199, which outlines specific actions for teachers of grades K-6 when a student exhibits violent, threatening, or disruptive behavior.
The steps include immediate removal of the student, parental notification, potential suspension, evaluation and a possible alternative learning environment.
“My message to educators, it’s simple: We’re not going to tolerate violence and unruliness in the classroom; we’re going to empower you to keep your students safe and bring order to your learning environment,” Morrisey said.
Similar legislation made it to the legislative finish line last year but did not cross before time ran out. This year, lawmakers reached a final agreement on the bill on April 3.
“I think that the development of this bill really is a good lesson that sometimes taking the time to do it right can make all the difference in the world,” Morrisey said.
Morrisey was joined by the lead sponsor of the bill, Senator Amy Nichole Grady, R-Mason, plus Senator Eric Tarr, R-Putnam.
“We want to make sure that you guys always have a safe classroom and a safe learning environment and that your teachers have a safe environment to teach in,” Grady said, addressing the students at the school.
Superintendent Michele Blatt also addressed students and community members at the elementary school.
“I think we have something in place that’s really going to support our teachers and make a difference,” Blatt said.