SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5523

BYSenators Gaspard, Bailey, Fleming, von Reichbauer, Talmadge, Johnson, Barr, Conner, Kreidler, Bauer, DeJarnatt, Moore, Smitherman, Stratton, Madsen, Sutherland, Williams, Rasmussen, Lee, Rinehart, Bender, Murray, Benitz, Warnke, Vognild, Hansen, Metcalf, Sellar, Wojahn, Owen and McMullen; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Revising provisions for annual basic education allocation of funds.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

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

Senate Staff:Susan Finkel (786-7483)

                  January 27, 1989

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 1, 1989

Senate Staff:Ken Kanikeberg (786-7715)

                  February 27, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, JANUARY 26, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Some research indicates that lower class sizes contribute to greater academic achievement by students.  In the 1985-87 budget, the Legislature enhanced the funding formula ratio for grades kindergarten through third grade from, in effect, 46 certificated instructional staff per 1,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) students to 47:1,000, effective in the 1986-87 school year.  In 1987-88 the formula was enhanced to 48:1,000 (K-3) and in the current school year the formula has been enhanced to 49:1,000 (K-3).  It is proposed that the legislative commitment to reduce class size in grades K-3 be continued.

SUMMARY:

Beginning with the 1989-90 school year, the funding formula ratio shall be 50 certificated instructional staff for every 1,000 FTE students in kindergarten through third grade.  In the 1990-91 school year, the funding ratio increases to 51 certificated staff for every 1,000 students.  Districts are required to use these funds for additional certificated instructional staff in K-3. Districts may use the allocation for certificated or classified personnel whose primary duty is the daily educational instruction of students.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENT:

Each school district will receive sufficient basic education allocation funds to support at least one certificated administrative staff.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 23, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: EDUCATION:  Don Johnson, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (for)