SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2583
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Early Learning & K-12 Education, February 26, 2014
Title: An act relating to adding charter school chief executive officers to the list of individuals who may file complaints of unprofessional conduct regarding certificated employees.
Brief Description: Adding charter school chief executive officers to the list of individuals who may file complaints of unprofessional conduct regarding certificated employees.
Sponsors: Representative Dahlquist.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/11/14, 94-4.
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/19/14, 2/26/14 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Litzow, Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; McAuliffe, Ranking Member; Rolfes, Assistant Ranking Member; Billig, Brown, Cleveland, Fain, Hill and Mullet.
Staff: Eric Wolf (786-7405)
Background: Certificated school employees may have their certificate revoked or suspended upon a criminal records report authorized by law, or upon the written complaint of the Professional Educator Standards Board or any school district superintendent, educational service district superintendent, or private school administrator for immorality, violation of written contract, unprofessional conduct, or crime. The complaint must contain the grounds and factual basis upon which they believe an investigation is warranted by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Such complaints are not limited to an employee of the filing authority. A reprimand may also be issued in lieu of certificate revocation or suspension.
In 2012 the voters approved Initiative 1240, which authorizes charter schools in Washington. Directors of charter schools are not listed in the current law as individuals who may file complaints against a certificated employee.
Summary of Bill: The Chief Executive Officer of a charter school is added to the list of individuals who may file a complaint to OSPI regarding conduct on the part of a certificated school employee that may result in an action against the employee's certificate.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: The bill provides an update to statute reflecting the creation of charter schools in Washington. There is currently no way in statute that directors of charter schools can initiate complaints against certificated staff, and this bill will give charter school chief executives the same power that superintendents have.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Joshua Halsey, WA Charter School Commission.