SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 6002

BYSenators Bauer, Bailey, Rinehart, Benitz, Gaspard, Murray, Craswell, Fleming and Bender

Creating a summer school program for the blind.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 28, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Leslie Goldstein (786-7424)

                  January 30, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, JANUARY 29, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The State School for the Blind is located in Vancouver, Washington.  The primary purpose of the school is to provide education and training for visually-impaired children.  During the school year the school offers a residential program for visually impaired children.  Students are admitted on a space available basis according to criteria published by the Superintendent of the State School for the Blind. 

There are visually-impaired children receiving services in local school districts who could benefit from a summer school program offered by the School for the Blind.  The summer school program, which has existed in past years, cannot operate without sufficient funds.

SUMMARY:

The Superintendent of the State School for the Blind is directed to hold a special summer session each year for students otherwise eligible for admission to the State School for the Blind.  Students eligible for the summer school program are those who are visually impaired and were not enrolled in the School for the Blind during the prior school year.

Appropriation:    $24,500

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: FOR:  Senator Bauer, prime sponsor; Larry Watkinson, Trustee, School for the Blind; Roy Brothers, Superintendent, State School for the Blind; Bob Kirschner, parent