SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5318

BYSenators Murray, Bailey, Rinehart and Gaspard

Requiring an annual meeting for education officials.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 6, 1989; February 9, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5318 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Lee, Vice Chairman; Bender, Benitz, Gaspard, Metcalf, Murray, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Susan Finkel (786-7483)

                  February 10, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 9, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The state's education system is comprised of at least the following elements:  elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and four-year colleges, universities, and vocational technical institutes and schools.  These state agencies have the administrative responsibilities for the education system.  Requiring an annual meeting of these agencies could promote greater coordination and collaboration.

SUMMARY:

The chief executive officer and board members of the governing bodies of the state agencies responsible for the administration of the education system shall meet together at least once each year.

Topics at the meeting include but are not limited to:  interrelationships between the various sectors, the relationship between the goals and purposes of the common school system and higher education, and identifying areas for joint long-range planning.

The agencies affected include:  the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education, the Washington State School Directors' Association, the Department of Community Development, the State Board for Vocational Education, the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Council of Presidents, and the State Board for Community College Education.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The section which lists topics to be discussed at the yearly meeting is stricken.  A report to the Legislature of the yearly meeting is required by December 31.  Agencies represented at the meeting are not restricted to named organizations; this is a suggested but not inclusive list.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Don Johnson, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (pro); Lee Ann Chaney, Washington State PTA (pro)