HB 3149 - DIGEST

     Creates the better schools fund in the state treasury.  Moneys in the fund may be spent only after appropriation.  Moneys in the fund shall be apportioned in the same manner as moneys are apportioned under chapter 28A.510 RCW.  The amount allocated to each school district shall be based on the number of full-time equivalent students in the school district during the school year ending just prior to the allocation.

     Declares that allocations received under this act shall be used for only the following purposes:  (1) To reduce class sizes in kindergarten through sixth grade by hiring additional certificated teachers;

     (2) to improve student academic achievement in grades kindergarten through twelve by providing new and expanded learning opportunities, including but not limited to, before-and-after school programs, weekend school programs, summer school programs, full-day kindergarten programs, and intercession opportunities;

     (3) to provide new and expanded developmental preschool programs designed to prepare prekindergarten children for successful learning; and

     (4) to provide improvements or additions to school building facilities, which improvements or additions are directly related to the new or expanded services in this act.

     Declares that school districts are prohibited from using moneys allocated under this act for loan repayment or for debt service.

     Provides that, beginning in fiscal year 2002 and each fiscal year thereafter, the state treasurer shall transfer from the emergency reserve fund to the common school construction fund the sum of one hundred million dollars divided into four equal deposits occurring on July 1st, October 1st, January 1st, and April 1st of each year.

     Requires that, by July 1, 2001, the state board of education shall modify the allocation of state assistance for school facilities by increasing the cost per square foot and space allowance per student to more closely reflect actual construction size and cost.

     Takes effect January 1, 2001.

     Directs the secretary of state to submit this act to the people for their adoption and ratification, or rejection, at the next general election to be held in this state, in accordance with Article II, section 1 of the state Constitution and the laws adopted to facilitate its operation.