Establish mandated monthly half days for students to all allow school staff planning time

HB 2931 would require West Virginia school districts to designate up to five days per year (not monthly) without students present for school staff to engage in planning and professional development. These days would be added to the existing school calendar as "noninstructional days" for staff use, specifically to improve instruction, and would count toward the district's required 200-day employment term for staff. The bill directly affects school staff (teachers, administrators) by mandating dedicated time for planning, not students who would be absent on these days. It amends existing law (§18-5-45) to formalize this provision within current school calendar requirements. The bill does not change instructional day lengths or student attendance requirements.