SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6133

                      AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 11, 1992

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

SPONSORS: Senators Bailey, Rinehart, Erwin, Murray, Oke, Pelz and Gaspard; by request of Board of Education

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Erwin, Vice Chairman; Craswell, Metcalf, Murray, Oke, Pelz, Rinehart, and A. Smith.

Staff:  Mich'l Prentice Needham (786‑7439)

Hearing Dates: January 23, 1992; January 30, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The State Board of Education was established in 1877.  Since 1947, the board has been comprised of two representatives from each congressional district, one representative from private education, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  Members serve six-year terms on a staggered basis.  The state board has recommended changing the size of the membership and the length of the members' terms.

SUMMARY:

The State Board of Education is comprised of one member from each congressional district, one member representing private schools, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  Each member shall be elected for four-year terms.

Measures are provided for a three-year transitional period.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Reducing the size of the board would allow it to meet more often and operate more efficiently.  Reducing terms to four years would make it easier to attract candidates to commit the time for service on the board.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Kathleen Anderson, State Board of Education; Dr. Bill Stevenson, State Board of Education; Dwayne Slate, Washington State School Directors Association; Walter Ball, AWSP