Brief Description: Authorizing teachers' cottages in second class school districts.

Sponsors: Representatives Quall, Cox, Haigh, Tom, McDermott, Talcott, Hunter, Ruderman and Rockefeller.

Hearing Date: 2/3/03

Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).

Background:

A second-class school district refers to a district with less than 2000 students. Of the state's 296 school districts, approximately 196 are second-class districts. Some of these second-class districts may operate out of a single building and employ just two or three teachers. A 1969 state law requires a second-class school district to build teachers' cottages when directed by a vote of the district to do so.

The school board of a second-class district is authorized to purchase property for any district purpose. When a district sells its real property it may place income from the sale of district property only in the district's debt service fund or its capital projects fund, and may not place that income in its general fund.

Summary of Bill:

A board of directors for a second-class school district is authorized to construct teachers' cottages without direction by a vote from the district. Rental income and other income, including income from the sale of cottages, may be deposited in whole or in part in the district's general fund, its debt service fund, or its capital projects fund.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.