SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5637

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 24, 1993

Brief Description:  Authorizing school site‑based councils.

SPONSORS: Senators Skratek, McAuliffe and Drew

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Leslie Goldstein (786‑7424)

Hearing Dates: February 24, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Changing the way schools are managed has been suggested as an important part of restructuring our schools.  Shared decision-making through site-based councils has been suggested as a way of involving principals, teachers, parents and community members in school governance.  The assumption behind the school-based management model is that greater decision-making authority at the school level will enable each school to respond to the needs of its unique student population by combining the expertise of school professionals, the parents and the community.  It has been suggested that time for participation in site-based governance activities will promote the success of site-based school councils.

SUMMARY:

School district boards of directors may adopt policies authorizing site-based councils.  Policies may include procedures for forming a council; membership including parents, staff and community members; authority of councils, and training of council members.  Policies shall provide plans for attendance areas consistent with desegregation plans.

Each school site-based council shall adopt a plan for student community service.

Schools with site-based councils are eligible for restructuring grants.  The school districts apply to the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the grants and distribute the funds to the applicable schools. 

The Superintendent of Public Instruction may provide technical assistance and facilitate the exchange of information among schools and school districts through the state clearinghouse for educational information and assistance.

Public and private employers are required to provide up to 32 hours of paid local school governance leave in any 24-month period.  School governance leave is defined as leave to participate as an elected or appointed officer in local school governance organizations including school site-based councils, school boards, and parent teacher organizations.  Employees must give employers 30 days notice before using the leave.  The employer may require verification of the employee's participation in governance activities. 

Statutes creating the school-based management pilot program are repealed.

Appropriation: $49,000 for restructuring; $48,000 for technical assistance 

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 16, 1993