HOUSE BILL REPORT

                      HB 2298

                     As Reported By House Committee on:

                                 Education

Title:  An act relating to education.

Brief Description:  Creating the community service as an alternative to suspension program.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives P. Johnson, Valle, Brumsickle, Betrozoff, Broback, Peery, Bowman, G. Fisher, Chandler, Roland, Lisk, Jones, Hochstatter, Rasmussen, Brough, Neher, Forner, Zellinsky, Vance, Carlson, Kremen, Sheldon and May.

Brief History:

   Reported by House Committee on:

Education, January 29, 1992, DP.

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; Betrozoff; Broback; Brumsickle; Carlson; G. Cole; Dorn; P. Johnson; Jones; J. Kohl; Neher; Rasmussen; Roland; H. Sommers; and Valle.

Minority Report: Without recommendation.  Signed by 1 member:  Representative Orr.

Staff:  Robert Butts (786-7111).

Background:  State regulations establish a process that school districts must follow when students are disciplined, suspended from school, and/or expelled.  Included in these regulations are guidelines for short and long-term suspensions.  Short-term suspensions for students in fifth grade and above may not exceed 15 school days in a semester.  Long-term suspensions may not exceed the loss of grades or credit for one semester.

Summary of Bill:  The Community Service as an Alternative to Suspension Program is established to provide an appropriate educational alternative to out-of-school short or long-term suspension of students in grades six through 12.  Schools may assign students to community service activities in place of out-of-school suspension.  School districts shall have the responsibility to coordinate the placement and supervision of these students.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) may, from appropriated funds, provide grants to school districts for the purpose of establishing projects.

Grant applications shall:

(1) specify the activities to be included in the project;

(2) include a budget, including other sources of funds;

(3) indicate how students will be supervised when they are involved in community service activities;

(4) identify evaluation and accountability measures; and

(5) include written statements of support from educators, parents, businesses, community organizations, and public agencies.

Local school districts reporting requirements are to be specified by SPI.  By December 15, 1994, SPI shall submit a report to the Legislature that evaluates the progress and status of the program.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  When students are currently suspended from school, there is nothing for them to do.  Most just watch television, play video games, and get bored.  Some get into trouble.  This program would keep these students out of further trouble, would provide needed assistance to community service organizations, and could very likely result in a positive experience for the suspended student.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Gerald Apple and Mack Armstrong, Shelton School District (support); and Muriel Lare (support).