HB 3171.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/22/00)

     Declares that the better schools fund is created in the state treasury.  Moneys in the fund may be spent only after appropriation.  Moneys in the fund shall be apportioned in the same manner as moneys are apportioned under chapter 28A.510 RCW.  The amount allocated to each school district shall be based on the number of full-time equivalent students in the school district during the school year ending just prior to the allocation.

     Declares that allocations received under this act shall be used for only the following new and expanded educational enhancements:  (1) To reduce class sizes in kindergarten through fourth grade by hiring additional certificated teachers and paying nonemployee-related costs associated with those additional teachers;

     (2) to make selected reductions in class sizes in grades five through twelve;

     (3) to improve student academic achievement in grades kindergarten through twelve by providing new and expanded learning opportunities, including, but not limited to, before-and-after school programs, weekend school programs, summer school programs, full-day kindergarten programs, intercession opportunities, and parental involvement;

     (4) to provide additional professional development for certificated and classified staff, including additional paid time for curriculum and lesson redesign and development work, training to ensure that instruction is aligned with state standards and student needs, reimbursement for higher education costs related to enhancing skills and knowledge, extended year and extended day teaching contracts, and mentoring programs to match new teachers with skilled master teachers;

     (5) to provide new and expanded developmental preschool programs designed to prepare prekindergarten children for successful learning; and

     (6) to provide improvements or additions to school building facilities, which improvements or additions are directly related to the new or expanded services.

     Declares that deposits in the better schools account under RCW 67.70.040 and 67.70.240 shall not be deducted from the calculation of general state revenues under RCW 39.42.060.

     Takes effect January 1, 2001.