West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has signed an education bill that was passed this week and will allow the state’s first charter schools.
The bill drew heavy protests from teachers. Justice had expressed support for the measure.
The measure allows for a staggered implementation of charter schools, limiting the state to three charters until 2023, then letting three more go up every three years afterward. It also contains a pay raise for teachers.
Justice’s office said the education bill was one of 23 that the governor signed on Friday.
Debate over the creation of charters consumed the legislature after a similar bill launched a two-day teacher strike in February, paralyzing the school system.
