Title: An act relating to school district superintendent credential preparation programs.

Brief Description: Concerning school district superintendent credential preparation programs.

Sponsors: Senators Shin, McAuliffe, Kohl-Welles and Carlson; by request of State Board of Education.

Brief Summary of Bill

• Removes a limitation that, among public institutions of higher education, only the University of Washington or Washington State University may offer training for certification as a school superintendent.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Kenney, Chair; Fromhold, Vice Chair; Cox, Ranking Minority Member; Priest, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Boldt, Chase, Condotta, Jarrett, McCoy, Morrell and Ormsby.

The qualifications for school superintendents are set exclusively by local school boards, but a board could require its superintendent to be state certified through the State Board of Education (SBE). At a minimum, the SBE requires a master's degree and completion of an approved superintendent preparation program.

There are five SBE-approved programs, but among public institutions of higher education, state statute permits only the University of Washington (UW) or Washington State University (WSU) to offer training for certification as a school superintendent. Earning a certificate is not the same as earning an academic degree, although the two may be issued simultaneously. Most programs permit candidates to complete the certificate in conjunction with a master's degree or through post-master's degree study.

The limitation is removed that only the UW or WSU among the public institutions of higher education may offer training for certification as a school superintendent.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: The current restriction creates a wide geographic gap for individuals seeking superintendent certificates. Our aim should be to provide opportunities for people all over the state. It will still be up to each regional university as to whether they will find it financially feasible to offer a program. Western Washington University has been approached on numerous occasions and is ready to make a commitment to serve the northwest corner of the state with a program.

Persons Testifying: Senator Paull Shin, prime sponsor; Larry Davis, State Board of Education; and Kristine McDuffy, Western Washington University.