Brief Description: Adding powers and duties for the superintendent of public instruction.

Sponsors: Representatives Quall, Cox, Hunter and Anderson; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Hearing Date: 2/26/03

Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).

Background:

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has general supervisory authority over all matters pertaining to the public K-12 schools, including the issues relating to curriculum and instruction, teacher certification, special education, transportation, school budgets, school improvement, and information technology services. Current authority, however, does not include the authority to negotiate master contracts for volume purchases by multiple public educational entities.

Authority to receive private funds currently is limited to deposits into the center for improvement of student learning account and the technology account. No authority currently exists for the OSPI to solicit funds from private sources.

Summary of Bill:

The powers and duties of the OSPI are expanded to include the authority to solicit, receive, and spend gifts, grants, and bequests from private sources whenever such actions will aid in carrying out the various educational programs administered by the OSPI.

Also granted to the OSPI is the authority to establish master contracts for multiple purchases of goods and services by the OSPI, school districts, educational service districts, and other public educational entities. A master contract by definition does not require reauthorization of the contract for each separate purchase under the contract, and is subject to competitive bidding requirements. Using a master contract, the OSPI can negotiate large volume purchases at competitive prices for goods and services desired by multiple local entities. Districts can make individual purchases under the master contract at the volume purchase price.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.