HOUSE BILL REPORT

                     SSB 6327

                              As Passed House

                               March 4, 1992

Title:  An act relating to the award for excellence in education program.

Brief Description:  Providing awards for excellence in education for classified employees.

Sponsor(s):  By Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Gaspard, Bailey, Johnson, Jesernig, Murray, Pelz, Anderson, von Reichbauer, Skratek, McMullen, Bauer, Erwin, Rinehart and Roach).

Brief History:

   Reported by House Committee on:

Education, February 24, 1992, DP;

Passed House, March 4, 1992, 95-0.

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 Washington Award for Excellence in Education Program was created in 1986 to recognize teachers, principals, superintendents and school boards for their leadership, contributions, and commitment to education.  In 1990, classified employees were included for recognition. 

Teachers, principals, administrators and superintendents are eligible to receive an education grant, academic grant, or a recognition stipend (e.g. cash).  Classified staff are not eligible to receive either the grants or the recognition stipend.

Summary of Bill:  Classified employees are made eligible to select an academic grant, recognition stipend, or educational grant under the Washington Award for Excellence in Education program.

The act is subject to appropriation in the 1993 budget.

Fiscal Note:  Requested February 19, 1992.

Effective Date:  The bill takes effect June 30, 1993.  However, the bill is null and void unless funded in the 1993 budget.

Testimony For:  Classified staff involvement in our schools is becoming more and more important.  Many classified staff would benefit from the educational and academic grant awards that currently are available to other educator groups.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Lynn McKinnon and Karen Lee, Public School Employees of Washington (support); Dwayne Slate, School Directors (supports); Walter Ball, School Principals (supports); and Marcia Costello, SPI (supports).