SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SSB 6327

                      AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 14, 1992

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

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

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6327 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

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

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

Hearing Dates: January 27, 1992; January 30, 1992

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.  Only teachers, principals, administrators and superintendents are eligible for the fiscal portion of the awards.

SUMMARY:

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

The act has a delayed effective date of June 30, 1993 and is subject to appropriation in the 1993 budget.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

Classified employees would like to receive the monetary recognition offered by the award and be treated like other professionals holding certificates.  Some classified staff are interested in taking courses that would improve their human relations skills necessary for work and keep them updated in changing technology.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Lynn McKinnon, Public School Employees of Washington; Carol Berdinka, South Kitsap School District; Karen Lee, Marysville School District