SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5738

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of February 18, 2009

Title: An act relating to annual compliance reports.

Brief Description: Requiring the office of the superintendent of public instruction to review annual school district compliance reports.

Sponsors: Senators King, McAuliffe, Holmquist, Swecker, Oemig, Haugen, Kauffman, Honeyford and Tom.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/18/09.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Staff: Kimberly Cushing (786-7421)

Background: Under current law, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is authorized to establish a longitudinal student data system for and on behalf of Washington school districts. This is the Comprehensive Education Data and Research System (CEDARS).

In 2007 the Legislature directed OSPI to conduct a feasibility study on expanding CEDARS. The report was due to the Legislature on November 1, 2008. OSPI developed the recommendations in consultation with a work group comprised of representatives from a variety of organizations. One of the recommendations is to "build new reports and queries based on stakeholder needs."

Summary of Bill: Within existing resources, OSPI must review all annual compliance reports required of school districts. OSPI must make recommendations about which reports should be (1) discontinued; (2) integrated into CEDARS; or (3) maintained in their current form.

To assist with this review, OSPI may reconvene the workgroup that helped conduct the CEDARS feasibility study. By December 1, 2009, OSPI must provide a final report on the status of the annual compliance reports to the Legislature.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 2, 2009.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: School districts have many requirements to report on. If there are some reports that are no longer needed, this would reduce the burden on school districts and increase efficiency.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator King, prime sponsor.