SB 5474 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

      Creates a task force to plan a state system for the efficient collection and reporting of data about conditions affecting the education and well-being of children.

      Requires a report by December 1, 1991.

      Requires each school district to account for the educational progress of each of its students.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5474

                        May 16, 1991

To the Honorable, the Senate

  of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 5, Senate Bill No. 5474 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to a data collection and reporting system on children's education and well-being."

      This bill creates a task force with representation from a broad range of agencies to review available data sources related to children's programs and recommend methods to make such data more user-friendly to state and local policy makers.  The bill also requires local school districts to report new information that will improve the accuracy of the state's annual report on drop out rates.  Both objectives are to be commended and I am glad to add my support.

      Section 5 of the bill, however, provides that the new reporting requirements will expire in 1994.  The brief life of this reporting requirement makes it appear to be a pilot project and may cause some school districts to be hesitant about incorporating this data into their permanent data collection systems.  If the state hopes to reduce its drop out rate, accurate data is essential.  Eliminating section 5 establishes these new reporting provisions as permanent requirements.

      For the reasons stated above, I have vetoed section 5 of Senate Bill No. 5474.

      With the exception of section 5, Senate Bill No. 5474 is approved.

                        Respectfully submitted,

                        Booth Gardner

                        Governor