Brief Description: Providing for school directors' associations.

Sponsors: Representatives Tom, Fromhold, McMorris, Jarrett, Hunter, Talcott and Haigh.

Hearing Date: 1/26/04

Staff: Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background:

By law, school boards must be members of and pay dues to the Washington State School Directors' Association. The association is a state agency but all state funding for the agency is provided through the members' dues. The association is required to provide the following services for its members:

•    Coordinating policies, control, and management of school districts.

•    Conducting studies and providing information on ways to increase administrative efficiencies.

•    Purchasing liability insurance for school directors.

•    Providing advice and assistance to school boards.

•    Upon request, providing specialized services, research, and consultation in particular problem areas if the services are unavailable from other specific entities.

Summary of Bill:

School districts have the option to join either the Washington State School Directors' Association or another state association that will provide the same services. The alternative state association must, at a minimum, provide the following services for its members:

•    Coordinating policies, control, and management of school districts.

•    Conducting studies and providing information on ways to increase administrative efficiencies.

•    Purchasing liability insurance for school directors.

•    Providing advice and assistance to school boards.

•    Upon request, providing specialized services, research, and consultation in particular problem areas if the services are unavailable from other specific entities.

Only the members of Washington State School Directors' Association are required to pay dues to the association.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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