Brief Description: Permitting less than 180 day school year for some high school seniors.

Sponsors: Representatives Dunshee, Quall, Simpson, D., Linville and Moeller.

Hearing Date: 1/22/04

Staff: Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background:

Under current law, a school year is at least 180 days long. Although students are required to attend school unless they are excused, school districts may provide graduating seniors with five days of noninstructional activity at the end of the school year. School districts are required to offer students a district-wide average of at least 1000 hours of instruction each year.

During the 2003 school year, two districts experienced a strike, delaying the start of school. In one district, the Marysville school district, school did not begin until the middle of October.

Summary of Bill:

The school board of a school district that did not begin classes until after September 30, 2004. may excuse graduating seniors from the last twenty days of classes. These days are in addition to the five days of noninstructional activity permitted under current law. The districts will receive full funding for the seniors and the districts are not required to offer the seniors an average of 1000 hours of instruction.

The authority expires on August 31, 2004. An emergency clause is attached.

*Analyst note: September 30, 2004 was intended to read September 30, 2003.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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