HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  SB 6133

                       As Passed House

                        March 3, 1992

Title:  An act relating to state board of education size and terms.

Brief Description:  Changing the membership and terms of the state board of education.

Sponsor(s):  Senators Bailey, Rinehart, Erwin, Murray, Oke, Pelz and Gaspard; by request of Board of Education.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Education, February 24, 1992, DP;

Passed House, March 3, 1992, 95-1.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 18 members:  Representatives Peery, Chair; G. Fisher, Vice Chair; Brough, Ranking Minority Member; Vance, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Broback; Brumsickle; Carlson; G. Cole; Dorn; P. Johnson; Jones; J. Kohl; Neher; Orr; Rasmussen; Roland; H. Sommers; and Valle.

Staff:  Robert Butts (786-7111).

Background:  The state Board of Education is responsible for the oversight, management, and regulation of a wide range of common school programs and activities.  For example, it approves teacher preparation programs, establishes teacher certification requirements, enforces basic education statutes, and allocates funds for school construction.

Membership on the board consists of two representatives from each of the eight congressional districts, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and a private school representative.  The addition of another congressional district will increase the size of the board from 18 to 20 members.  State board members are elected by school board members residing in each congressional district.

The term of office for board members is six years.

In an effort to improve its effectiveness, the state board is recommending to the Legislature that the number of board members be reduced, and that the length of their terms be shortened.

Summary of Bill:  The number of members on the state Board of Education is reduced.  The number of representatives from each congressional district shall be reduced from two to one.

The term of office for board members is reduced from six years to four years.

A transition process for school board member terms, elections, and voting is provided.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  A reduction in the size of the state Board of Education and a shortening of the members' terms will help the board to be more effective and responsive.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Linda Byrnes, state Board of Education.