WVSCA Statement on House Bill 5262
Published August 10, 2024

During the West Virginia Legislature’s 2024 Regular Session, House Bill 5262 was passed on March 9, 2024, and went into effect ninety days later (June 2024).  This bill, now part of WV Code (18-5-18b. School counselors in public schools), more fully defines the role of school counselors in public schools.  

An important part of this bill is section f, which gives WV public school counselors the ability to say NO to: 

• Administering state tests

• Performing the role of secretaries (ex. Attendance, tardy slips, student records, calculating GPAs, keeping clerical records, etc.)

• Taking part in student discipline

• Covering teachers’ classes

• Taking on duties, including supervising classrooms or common areas (ex. cafeteria)

• Being the coordinator of IEP, 504, or Student Study Teams

Another important part of this bill (section g) is the requirement that every 2 years, school counselors must participate in a School Counselors Conference to gain important knowledge and training related to their jobs and the success of their students.  We are excited to announce that our annual WVSCA Conference meets the requirements of this part of the bill, so you now have justification to your county boards of education and your administration to attend our conference or other training that meets the requirements set forth in this bill. 

The WVSCA Board of Directors recommends that all school counselors read this bill in full, so that you know your rights and responsibilities as set forth in WV Code going into this new school year.  If you have questions regarding this law, please feel free to contact the WVSCA Chair of the Government Relations Committee, Lauren Hensley, at lnshaw@k12.wv.us.