Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Appropriations Committee |
HB 2108
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 Description: Concerning state funding for K-3 class sizes in schools.
Sponsors: Representatives Callan, Stonier, Harris, Dolan, Sullivan, Valdez, Thai, Jenkin and Morgan.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/26/19
Staff: James Mackison (786-7104).
Background:
The state allocates funding for public schools using a prototypical school formula, which calculates the funding necessary to support "prototypical" elementary, middle, and high schools. As part of the formula, class size ratios are defined by grade to determine the number of funded instructional staff allocated to school districts. The actual number of staff in districts can vary from the number of state-allocated staff. Since the 2017-18 school year, class sizes for kindergarten through third grade (K-3) in the prototypical formulas have been funded at 17 students to one classroom teacher for all districts.
Beginning September 1, 2019 (the beginning of the 2019-20 school year), districts may receive K-3 class size funding sufficient to fund 17 students to one classroom teacher, only to the extent of, and proportionate to, the district's actual demonstrated class size. After that date, a district with an actual K-3 class size of more than 17 to 1 would receive funding only up to its actual K-3 class size.
Summary of Bill:
The requirement that school districts meet a K-3 class size ratio of 17 students to one classroom teacher to receive funding at that ratio is delayed one year, until September 1, 2020.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.