The Senate Education Committee agreed to an originating resolution requesting the joint committee on government finance study the mission, effectiveness, transparency and accountability of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (SSAC) and consider whether a performance evaluation would be appropriate.

Committee counsel described the resolution as a study request focused on the SSAC’s mission and operations. Senator Taylor and others expressed concern that the resolution should ensure the study solicits input broadly — including coaches, parents and athletes — rather than relying solely on the commission itself. The committee adopted a conceptual amendment offered by Senator Taylor directing that the study include input from coaches, parents and athletes; counsel said the resolution’s broad language would allow for outside interviews but the amendment made the intent explicit.

With that amendment, the vice chair moved that the originating resolution, as amended, be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it be adopted. The chair declared the motion adopted and the resolution was reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it be adopted.

Why it matters: The SSAC governs interscholastic extracurricular activities for secondary schools; a legislative study that expressly solicits coaches, parents and athletes could shape future statutory or oversight changes if the joint committee recommends action.