HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1475

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.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, subject to the appropriation of specific funding, to establish a temporary pilot project grant program to award grants to two school districts for the promotion of confidence, public speaking, and leadership skills in students in grades 2 through 5.
Directs the Superintendent of Public Instruction to report findings and recommendations on the grant program to the education committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate by December 1, 2021.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 19 members: Representatives Santos, Chair; Dolan, Vice Chair; Paul, Vice Chair; Steele, Ranking Minority Member; McCaslin, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Volz, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Caldier, Callan, Corry, Harris, Kilduff, Kraft, Ortiz-Self, Rude, Stonier, Thai, Valdez and Ybarra.

Background:

In addition to its constitutional charge of supervising all matters pertaining to public schools, the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) and its office has numerous and broad responsibilities prescribed in statute, including:

making rules and regulations necessary for the administration of public education requirements;

preparing courses of study and other materials and books for the discharge of education duties; and
fulfilling financial responsibilities, including distributing legislatively allocated funds to districts for the operation of the public school system, and awarding numerous state and federally funded grants.

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Summary of Bill:

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, subject to the provision of specific funding, must establish a pilot project grant program to award grants to two school districts for the promotion of confidence, public speaking, and leadership skills in students in grades 2 through 5. The program, which expires June 20, 2021, must be developed according to a schedule that provides districts with sufficient time to apply for and receive grants in the 2019-20 school year.

Grants awarded through the program must be for one school district in Western Washington and one school district in Eastern Washington proposing to collaborate with a partner district for the purpose of replicating an implemented after-school program that:

promotes confidence, public speaking, and leadership skills in students in grades 2 through 5; and

is fully or partially administered and funded with private funds.

School districts applying for or receiving grants through the program are encouraged to seek partnerships with public and private entities for the purpose of enhancing student benefits and minimizing costs to recipient districts and schools.

By December 1, 2021, the SPI must report findings and recommendations for the program to the education committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The report must include an assessment of whether the program accomplished established goals and should be expanded.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The local program that this bill seeks to replicate has made a real difference in teaching students, especially young women, to express themselves in a positive manner. The local program partners Toastmaster mentors with students. The program provides leadership benefits, helps to prevent bullying, and helps the students develop an interest in careers related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

(Opposed) None.