Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten and AFT-West Virginia President Fred Albert on the Defeat of Key Provisions in W.Va. Omnibus Education Bill

CHARLESTON, W.Va.—American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and AFT-West Virginia President Fred Albert issued the following statement after the West Virginia House of Delegates rejected the weakening of layoff provisions in the omnibus education bill during a vote this evening.

Albert said: “For every educator, student, parent and ally who cares about keeping good teachers in West Virginia, this is our victory for today. Tomorrow is a new day, and we keep on fighting.”

Weingarten said: “While there’s a lot in this bill we don’t like, including charter schools—albeit more limited ones—the fact the House of Delegates rejected a weakening of layoff provisions is vital. This bipartisan vote prevents us from returning to a system where education personnel decisions are dependent on who you know, not what you know.

“The educators in West Virginia need to have a voice, and this action by the delegates sent a message that educators will not be retaliated against for speaking out for their students or themselves.”