Report breaks down what the state does to pursue student safety in schools

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - As kids work on assignments in class, state leaders are giving families a closer look at what the Offices of Legal Services and the Certification of the Department of Education requirements are for maintaining a safe and supportive school environment.

“I hope it provides information and some clarity on the process,” investigator James Agee said.

During Wednesday’s West Virginia Board of Education meeting, the Board received an update on the requirements for maintaining safe and supportive school environments.

Agee said this comes after parents raised concerns to the state board following allegations of misconduct in multiple counties.

He said the three-page report details procedures related hiring and criminal history background checks, investigations, certification revocations and application denials.

It also clarified the respective roles and responsibilities of county school systems, the WVDE and law enforcement agencies in these processes.

Agee said the goal of the report is to provide clarity.

“It explains what we do and kind of how we do it, whether it’s from the application process for a new educator, the application process for subsequent applications of an already employed educator that applies for a pay raise or apply for additional expertise,” Agee said.

For certain crimes, Agee said there’s no discretion—an educator’s certificate is automatically suspended or revoked if convicted.

“That’s our power is over that certification. We’re not a criminal justice agency.”

And beyond investigations, Agee said it’s focusing more on prevention — through outreach and training.

Agee said that includes helping school staff recognize boundary issues before they escalate … and reinforcing mandatory reporting requirements.

Agee said its public list of certificate actions includes everything from written admonishments to suspensions and revocations.