3/23/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, today, signed House Bill 2550 establishing the West Virginia Council for Educational Opportunity for Military Children. In addition, West Virginia became a member of the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission. Gov. Tomblin was joined by Brigadier General (Ret.) Norman E. Arflack, Executive Director of the Military Interstate Children's Commission; West Virginia Parent Teacher Association; U.S. Navy; West Virginia Board of Education and the West Virginia Department of Education.
The purpose of the council is to assist military children with obstacles to their education, often associated with frequent moves and deployments of military families. More specifically, they will assist with transfers from one school to another, allow for additional excused absences when an immediate family member is on leave and provide flexibility in graduation parameters when students have completed coursework elsewhere.
"Our military families make great sacrifices every day for the freedoms we enjoy. House Bill 2550 is one way we can show our gratitude and support," said Gov. Tomblin. "By signing this bill we help alleviate some of the challenges our military families frequently face. I am truly honored to sign this bill into law."
The newly formed council is comprised of West Virginia's Common Ground Partnership which includes: the Department of Defense Joint Services, West Virginia Wing civil Air Patrol, Operation Military Kids, The West Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers Inc., The West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia State Board of Education.
Contact Information
Jacqueline Proctor
304-558-2000