SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6268

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                  Education, January 16, 1996

Title:  An act relating to parent involvement in education.

Brief Description:  Recognizing parental involvement in education.

Sponsors:  Senators McAuliffe, Johnson, Snyder, Winsley, Morton, Kohl, Drew, Finkbeiner, Quigley, Fairley, Smith, Fraser, Thibaudeau, Prentice, Sheldon, Bauer, Franklin, Pelz, Owen, Haugen, Rasmussen and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  1/16/96 [DP-WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

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

  Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Goings, Vice Chair; Finkbeiner, Hochstatter, Johnson, Pelz and Rasmussen.

Staff:  Leslie Goldstein (786-7424)

Background:  The current annual award program for excellence in education recognizes teachers, principals, administrators, classified staff, school district superintendents and school boards.  Five teachers, five principals or administrators, one school board, one superintendent, and three classified staff from each congressional district are recognized.  Teachers, classified employees, superintendents of second class districts, and principals receive a recognition award of at least $2,500.  Superintendents of first class districts receive an award of at least $1,000.  School boards receive an award of at least $2,500 which must be used for educational purposes.

Summary of Bill: Parents are included as recipients of the Washington annual award program for excellence in education.  Three parents from each congressional district are recognized, one with a child in elementary school, one with a child in middle school, and one with a child in high school.  Parents receiving the award are given a certificate and a recognition award not to exceed $2,500.  The award is payable to the school attended by the parent's child.  The funds must be used for programs for parents at the school.

Appropriation:  $67,500 to the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 15, 1996.

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

Testimony For:  It helps parents to be recognized by the state.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Barbara Casey, WA State PTA (pro).