Brief Description: Allowing a reduction in mandatory school days for graduating seniors when the school year is extended due to district-wide or school emergency closures.

Sponsors: Representatives Linville, Ericksen, Kagi, Chase and Quall.

Hearing Date: 3/4/03

Staff: Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background:

By law, a school year for public schools consists of 180 days of instruction. School districts may schedule the last five days of the school year for noninstructional purposes for graduating seniors. The days may be devoted to graduation, early release, and other purposes. During those days, school districts will continue to receive full state funding for these seniors.

Summary of Bill:

School districts may allow graduating seniors to attend school up to five fewer days in a year if school has been cancelled due to a district-wide or school emergency. The district will still receive full state funding for the students.

An emergency closure occurs when one or more schools are closed because they are unsafe, unhealthy, inaccessible or inoperative due to unforeseen natural events, mechanical failures, or actions or inactions by one or more persons.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

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