SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5805

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                 Education, February 28, 1995

Title:  An act relating to school district enrollment reporting dates.

Brief Description:  Changing the enrollment count day for the first reporting period of the school year.

Sponsors:  Senator McAuliffe.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  2/24/95, 2/28/95 [DP-WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

  Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Pelz, Vice Chair; Gaspard and Rasmussen.

Staff:  Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background:  Annual average enrollment is a major component in determining state funding to a school district.  Under current law, the annual average enrollment is based on the number of full-time equivalent students enrolled on the first school day of each month.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction has the authority to define a full-time equivalent student.  By rule, the count date for full-time equivalent students is the fourth school day of the school year, and the first school day of each month of the remaining school year.

When the beginning of school starts before Labor Day, many students do not enroll until after the Labor Day holiday.  This results in fewer students being counted for enrollment purposes, which results in fewer funds for the district.

Summary of Bill:  The first enrollment count day of each school year is the second Monday of the school year, or the second Monday in September, whichever is later.  The enrollment count day for October through May continues to be the first school day of each month.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 10, 1995.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Since the state allocation is based on the average enrollment for the school year, any loss to a district caused by students enrolling late is small.  However, there is a loss.  The SPI's rules do help, but it would be better to make this change in statute.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Dwayne Slate, WSSDA (pro).