SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SHB 2695

           AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 25, 1992

Brief Description:  Establishing the fair start program.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives G. Fisher, Peery, Brough, Vance, Belcher, G. Cole, Roland, Basich, Riley, Sheldon, Ludwig, Paris, Wineberry, Winsley, Nelson, Franklin, Jones, Pruitt, Wynne, Brekke, J. Kohl, Orr, Leonard, O'Brien and Rasmussen)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Erwin, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Craswell, Metcalf, and Oke.

Minority Report:  Do not pass as amended. 

      Signed by Senators Murray, Pelz, Rinehart, A. Smith, and Talmadge.

Staff:  Larry Davis (786‑7422)

Hearing Dates: February 24, 1992; February 25, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Research findings from national and state studies and demographic data indicate that an increasing number of children are at risk of not performing up to their potential in school.  Contributing reasons include  child abuse and neglect, poverty, family transiency, substance abuse, and poor health and nutrition.  It is proposed that providing counseling and related prevention and intervention services at the elementary grade level will enhance the educational experience for these students.

The Legislature initiated budgetary support for the Fair Start Program beginning in the 1990-91 school year and increased the funding level for the program with passage of the 1991-93 operating budget. 

SUMMARY:

From funds appropriated by the Legislature, the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) shall establish the Fair Start Program to assist school districts in providing prevention and intervention programs for elementary grade students.  The Fair Start Program does not become part of the state's basic education obligation.

SPI shall distribute funds equitably to all school districts based on the districts' enrollment in grades kindergarten through six.  Fair Start funds shall not be used to replace funding for existing activities unless the funding for the existing activities is lost due to reasons beyond the control of the district.

School districts and educational service districts (ESDs) accepting Fair Start funds shall submit to SPI not later than June 1, 1993:

(a)The district's goals and plans for elementary school prevention and intervention services;

(b)Documentation that community-based providers and others participated in the development of the district's goals and plan;

(c)Notification procedures for parents;

(d)Use of grant funds for inservice purposes; and

(e)Other information as requested by SPI.

To the greatest extent possible, the delivery of services to students: shall not be duplicative of other programs; shall be consistent with the applicable children's mental health delivery system; shall emphasize the most efficient and cost-effective use of Fair Start funds; and shall be provided on a 12-month basis. 

School districts and ESDs shall enter into written interagency agreements with community-based public or private human service providers to assure delivery of appropriate services to students.

The state Superintendent shall develop specific measures to evaluate the Fair Start Program.

Reporting requirements are specified.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Fair Start funds may not be used to provide services, referrals or information regarding abortions, contraceptives or birth control.

Language is amended so that both intent and substantive language reflect that districts must enter into written interagency agreements with community-based service providers to deliver appropriate services to elementary students.

TESTIMONY FOR:

The program does make a difference.  One student's behavior can affect the entire classroom environment.  Collaboration is occurring and the bill will ensure that even more collaboration occurs.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Nicole Falkin, elementary student, Shoreline School District; Ed Martin, Pat Thibadeau, Washington State Community Mental Health Council; Walter Ball, Association of Washington School Principals; Judy Hartmann, Washington Education Association; Margaret Casey, Children's Alliance; John Kvamme, Washington Association of School Administrators