SB 5240-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS PASSED LEGISLATURE)

Includes a classified employee who assists in public school student instruction on the Washington professional educator standards board.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5240-S

April 17, 2003

To the Honorable President and Members,

The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning herewith, without my approval, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5240 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to including a classified employee on the Washington professional educator standards board;"

This bill alters the composition of the Professional Educator Standards Board by eliminating the designated public member and substituting a classified school employee who assists in public school student instruction.

I strongly support the addition of the classified school employee to the Board. However, the bill would have the effect of removing the voice of a representative of the public. In our state efforts to strengthen teacher accountability, it is important to provide an avenue for direct public communication and participation. Rather than eliminating this position, my preference is to sign a bill that maintains the current membership of the Board and adds a classified school employee.

For these reasons I have vetoed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5240 in its entirety.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Locke

Governor