HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HB  2955

Title:  An act relating to procedures for annexation of school district property.

Brief Description:  Changing procedures for annexation of school district property.

Sponsors:  Representatives Schoesler, Sterk, Johnson, Mulliken, Bush, Hickel and Quall.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  February 3, 1998.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background:  The Legislature enacted the Acity or town districts@ statute in 1909, primarily to ensure that each city or town is served by a single school district.  Over the years, the Legislature has added several procedural requirements to change school district boundaries in response to city or town boundary changes.  The Legislature also created regional committees in each educational service district to review proposals on school district boundary changes.  Some procedures apply to both cities and towns; others apply to towns only.

When a town expands to include territory in a school district that operates on separate sites one or more elementary schools and one or more junior or senior high schools, the regional committee may, in its discretion, prepare a proposal for transferring any or all of a school district affected by the extension of a town to the district in the town, and transferring any other affected area to another school district or districts.

Summary of Bill:  Provisions regarding proposals to reorganize affected school districts when a town expands also apply to the expansion of a city with a population of less than three thousand.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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