February 1, 1993

Mr. Charles H. Peteshel
Route 3, Box 148
Fairmont, West Virginia 26554

RE: Board_of_Education_Membership_Training

Dear Mr. Peteshel:

You have asked to take training for membership on a county board of education now and run for election to the board later. Alternatively, you ask whether you could audit board training as an observer.

The answer is no to both questions because W.Va. Code 18-5-1a says that the ". . .course of orientation relating to boardsmanship and governance effectiveness. . . shall be given between the date of election and the beginning of the member's term of office." Therefore, a person must be elected or appointed to serve on a county board of education before becoming eligible to take or observe the board training which you request.

Hoping that I have been of service, I am

Sincerely,

/s/

Henry Marockie
State Superintendent of Schools

HM:nh/5440e