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ENGROSSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 3098
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State of Washington59th Legislature2006 Regular Session

By House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives McDermott, Talcott and Quall)

READ FIRST TIME 02/08/06.   



     AN ACT Relating to transferring duties of the reconstituted state board of education; amending RCW 28A.305.130, 28A.305.035, 28A.300.040, 28A.305.011, 28A.150.230, 28A.505.140, 28A.525.020, 28A.525.030, 28A.525.050, 28A.525.055, 28A.525.070, 28A.525.080, 28A.525.090, 28A.525.162, 28A.525.164, 28A.525.166, 28A.525.168, 28A.525.170, 28A.525.172, 28A.525.174, 28A.525.176, 28A.525.178, 28A.525.180, 28A.525.190, 28A.525.200, 28A.525.216, 28A.150.260, 28A.335.160, 28A.540.050, 28A.150.530, 28A.335.210, 28A.335.230, 28A.540.070, 28A.305.220, 28A.230.100, 28A.230.170, 28A.305.170, 28A.230.130, 28A.205.010, 28A.215.010, 28A.215.020, 28A.205.040, 28A.215.140, 28A.230.020, 28A.230.040, 28A.230.050, 28A.315.175, 28A.315.195, 28A.315.205, 28A.315.015, 28A.315.025, 28A.315.055, 28A.315.085, 28A.315.125, 28A.315.185, 28A.305.210, 28A.310.080, 28A.310.030, 28A.310.050, 28A.310.060, 28A.310.090, 28A.310.100, 28A.310.140, 28A.310.150, 28A.310.200, 28A.310.310, 28A.323.020, 28A.323.040, 28A.305.160, 28A.150.300, 28A.225.160, 28A.300.150, 28A.600.020, 28A.600.030, 28A.625.360, 28A.225.330, 28A.405.110, 28A.415.010, 28A.415.020, 28A.415.024, 28A.415.025, 28A.415.105, 28A.415.125, 28A.415.130, 28A.415.145, 28A.660.040, 28A.690.020, 28A.300.050, 28A.625.370, 28A.625.380, 28A.625.390, 28A.600.010, 28A.225.280, 28A.600.200, 28A.160.210, 28A.160.100, 28A.210.070, 28A.210.160, 28A.335.100, 28A.335.120, 28A.320.240, 28A.155.060, 28A.600.130, and 28A.650.015; reenacting and amending RCW 28A.330.100 and 28A.630.400; adding a new section to chapter 28A.525 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.545 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.230 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 28A.300 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.600 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.405 RCW; creating new sections; recodifying RCW 28A.305.220, 28A.305.170, and 28A.305.160; decodifying RCW 28A.525.120, 28A.525.122, 28A.525.124, 28A.525.126, 28A.525.128, 28A.525.130, 28A.525.132, 28A.525.134, 28A.525.140, 28A.525.142, 28A.525.144, 28A.525.146, 28A.525.148, 28A.525.150, 28A.525.152, 28A.525.154, 28A.525.156, 28A.525.158, 28A.525.160, and 28A.525.182; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   In 2005, the legislature reconstituted the state board of education to refocus its purpose; abolished the academic achievement and accountability commission; and assigned policy and rule-making authority for educator preparation and certification to the professional educator standards board. The purpose of this act is to address the remaining statutory responsibilities of the state board of education held before 2005. The legislature finds that some duties should be retained with the reconstituted board; many duties should be transferred to other agencies or organizations, primarily but not exclusively to the superintendent of public instruction; and some duties should be repealed. This act also corrects statutes to implement fully the transfer of responsibilities authorized in 2005.

PART 1
NEW STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Sec. 101   RCW 28A.305.130 and 2005 c 497 s 104 are each amended to read as follows:
     The purpose of the state board of education is to ((adopt statewide policies that promote achievement of the goals of RCW 28A.150.210; implement a standards-based accountability system; and provide leadership in the creation of an education system that respects the diverse cultures, abilities, and learning styles of all students)) provide advocacy and strategic oversight of public education; implement a standards-based accountability system to improve student academic achievement; provide leadership in the creation of a system that personalizes education for each student and respects diverse cultures, abilities, and learning styles; and promote achievement of the goals of RCW 28A.150.210. In addition to any other powers and duties as provided by law, the state board of education shall:
     (1) ((Until January 1, 2006, approve or disapprove the program of courses leading to teacher, school administrator, and school specialized personnel certification offered by all institutions of higher education within the state which may be accredited and whose graduates may become entitled to receive such certification.
     (2) Until January 1, 2006, conduct every five years a review of the program approval standards, including the minimum standards for teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates, to reflect research findings and assure continued improvement of preparation programs for teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates.
     (3) Until January 1, 2006, investigate the character of the work required to be performed as a condition of entrance to and graduation from any institution of higher education in this state relative to such certification as provided for in subsection (1) of this section, and prepare a list of accredited institutions of higher education of this and other states whose graduates may be awarded such certificates.
     (4) Until January 1, 2006:
     (a) Adopt rules to allow a teacher certification candidate to fulfill, in part, teacher preparation program requirements through work experience as a classified teacher's aide in a public school or private school meeting the requirements of RCW 28A.195.010. The rules shall include, but are not limited to, limitations based upon the recency of the teacher preparation candidate's teacher aide work experience, and limitations based on the amount of work experience that may apply toward teacher preparation program requirements under this chapter; and
     (b) Require that at the time of the individual's enrollment in a teacher preparation program, the supervising teacher and the building principal shall jointly provide to the teacher preparation program of the higher education institution at which the teacher candidate is enrolled, a written assessment of the performance of the teacher candidate. The assessment shall contain such information as determined by the state board of education and shall include: Evidence that at least fifty percent of the candidate's work as a classified teacher's aide was involved in instructional activities with children under the supervision of a certificated teacher and that the candidate worked a minimum of six hundred thirty hours for one school year; the type of work performed by the candidate; and a recommendation of whether the candidate's work experience as a classified teacher's aide should be substituted for teacher preparation program requirements. In compliance with such rules as may be established by the state board of education under this section, the teacher preparation programs of the higher education institution where the candidate is enrolled shall make the final determination as to what teacher preparation program requirements may be fulfilled by teacher aide work experience.
     (5) Until January 1, 2006, supervise the issuance of such certificates as provided for in subsection (1) of this section and specify the types and kinds of certificates necessary for the several departments of the common schools by rule or regulation in accordance with RCW 28A.410.010.
     (6)
)) Hold regularly scheduled meetings at such time and place within the state as the board shall determine and may hold such special meetings as may be deemed necessary for the transaction of public business((.));
     (((7))) (2) Form committees as necessary to effectively and efficiently conduct the work of the board((.));
     (((8))) (3) Seek advice from the public and interested parties regarding the work of the board((.));
     (((9))) (4) For purposes of statewide accountability((, the board shall)):
     (a) Adopt and revise performance improvement goals in reading, writing, science, and mathematics, by subject and grade level, once assessments in these subjects are required statewide; academic and technical skills, as appropriate, in secondary career and technical education programs; and student attendance, as the board deems appropriate to improve student learning. The goals shall be consistent with student privacy protection provisions of RCW 28A.655.090(7) and shall not conflict with requirements contained in Title I of the federal elementary and secondary education act of 1965, or the requirements of the Carl D. Perkins vocational education act of 1998, each as amended. The goals may be established for all students, economically disadvantaged students, limited English proficient students, students with disabilities, and students from disproportionately academically underachieving racial and ethnic backgrounds. The board may establish school and school district goals addressing high school graduation rates and dropout reduction goals for students in grades seven through twelve. The board shall adopt the goals by rule. However, before each goal is implemented, the board shall present the goal to the education committees of the house of representatives and the senate for the committees' review and comment in a time frame that will permit the legislature to take statutory action on the goal if such action is deemed warranted by the legislature;
     (b) Identify the scores students must achieve in order to meet the standard on the Washington assessment of student learning and, for high school students, to obtain a certificate of academic achievement. The board shall also determine student scores that identify levels of student performance below and beyond the standard. The board shall consider the incorporation of the standard error of measurement into the decision regarding the award of the certificates. The board shall set such performance standards and levels in consultation with the superintendent of public instruction and after consideration of any recommendations that may be developed by any advisory committees that may be established for this purpose. The initial performance standards and any changes recommended by the board in the performance standards for the tenth grade assessment shall be presented to the education committees of the house of representatives and the senate by November 30th of the school year in which the changes will take place to permit the legislature to take statutory action before the changes are implemented if such action is deemed warranted by the legislature. The legislature shall be advised of the initial performance standards and any changes made to the elementary level performance standards and the middle school level performance standards;
     (c) Adopt objective, systematic criteria to identify successful schools and school districts and recommend to the superintendent of public instruction schools and districts to be recognized for two types of accomplishments, student achievement and improvements in student achievement. Recognition for improvements in student achievement shall include consideration of one or more of the following accomplishments:
     (i) An increase in the percent of students meeting standards. The level of achievement required for recognition may be based on the achievement goals established by the legislature and by the board under (a) of this subsection;
     (ii) Positive progress on an improvement index that measures improvement in all levels of the assessment; and
     (iii) Improvements despite challenges such as high levels of mobility, poverty, English as a second language learners, and large numbers of students in special populations as measured by either the percent of students meeting the standard, or the improvement index. When determining the baseline year or years for recognizing individual schools, the board may use the assessment results from the initial years the assessments were administered, if doing so with individual schools would be appropriate;
     (d) Adopt objective, systematic criteria to identify schools and school districts in need of assistance and those in which significant numbers of students persistently fail to meet state standards. In its deliberations, the board shall consider the use of all statewide mandated criterion-referenced and norm-referenced standardized tests;
     (e) Identify schools and school districts in which state intervention measures will be needed and a range of appropriate intervention strategies after the legislature has authorized a set of intervention strategies. After the legislature has authorized a set of intervention strategies, at the request of the board, the superintendent shall intervene in the school or school district and take corrective actions. This chapter does not provide additional authority for the board or the superintendent of public instruction to intervene in a school or school district;
     (f) Identify performance incentive systems that have improved or have the potential to improve student achievement;
     (g) Annually review the assessment reporting system to ensure fairness, accuracy, timeliness, and equity of opportunity, especially with regard to schools with special circumstances and unique populations of students, and a recommendation to the superintendent of public instruction of any improvements needed to the system; and
     (h) Include in the biennial report required under RCW 28A.305.035, information on the progress that has been made in achieving goals adopted by the board((.));
     (((10))) (5) Accredit, subject to such accreditation standards and procedures as may be established by the state board of education, all private schools that apply for accreditation, and approve, subject to the provisions of RCW 28A.195.010, private schools carrying out a program for any or all of the grades kindergarten through twelve: PROVIDED, That no private school may be approved that operates a kindergarten program only: PROVIDED FURTHER, That no ((public or)) private schools shall be placed upon the list of accredited schools so long as secret societies are knowingly allowed to exist among its students by school officials((: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the state board may elect to require all or certain classifications of the public schools to conduct and participate in such preaccreditation examination and evaluation processes as may now or hereafter be established by the board.
     (11) Make rules and regulations governing the establishment in any existing nonhigh school district of any secondary program or any new grades in grades nine through twelve. Before any such program or any new grades are established the district must obtain prior approval of the state board.
     (12) Prepare such outline of study for the common schools as the board shall deem necessary, and in conformance with legislative requirements, and prescribe such rules for the general government of the common schools, as shall seek to secure regularity of attendance, prevent truancy, secure efficiency, and promote the true interest of the common schools.
     (13) Continuously reevaluate courses and other requirements and adopt and enforce regulations within the common schools so as to meet the educational needs of students.
     (14) Evaluate course of study requirements and
));
     (6) A
rticulate with the institutions of higher education, work force representatives, and early learning policymakers and providers to coordinate and unify the work of the public school system((.));
     (((15) Carry out board powers and duties relating to the organization and reorganization of school districts.
     (16) Hear and decide appeals as otherwise provided by law.
     (17) Promulgate information and rules dealing with the prevention of child abuse for purposes of curriculum use in the common schools.
     (18)
)) (7) Hire an executive director and an administrative assistant to reside in the office of the superintendent of public instruction for administrative purposes. Any other personnel of the board shall be appointed as provided by RCW 28A.300.020. The executive director, administrative assistant, and all but one of the other personnel of the board are exempt from civil service, together with other staff as now or hereafter designated as exempt in accordance with chapter 41.06 RCW((.)); and
     (((19))) (8) Adopt a seal that shall be kept in the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

Sec. 102   RCW 28A.305.035 and 2005 c 497 s 103 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) By October 15th of each even-numbered year, the state board of education and the professional educator standards board shall submit a joint report to the legislative education committees, the governor, and the superintendent of public instruction. The report shall address the progress the boards have made and the obstacles they have encountered, individually and collectively, in the work of achieving the goals in RCW 28A.150.210.
     (2) The state board of education shall include the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative education committees in board communications so that the legislature can be kept apprised of the discussions and proposed actions of the board.

Sec. 103   RCW 28A.300.040 and 2005 c 360 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     In addition to any other powers and duties as provided by law, the powers and duties of the superintendent of public instruction shall be:
     (1) To have supervision over all matters pertaining to the public schools of the state;
     (2) To report to the governor and the legislature such information and data as may be required for the management and improvement of the schools;
     (3) To prepare and have printed such forms, registers, courses of study, rules for the government of the common schools, and such other material and books as may be necessary for the discharge of the duties of teachers and officials charged with the administration of the laws relating to the common schools, and to distribute the same to educational service district superintendents;
     (4) To travel, without neglecting his or her other official duties as superintendent of public instruction, for the purpose of attending educational meetings or conventions, of visiting schools, and of consulting educational service district superintendents or other school officials;
     (5) To prepare and from time to time to revise a manual of the Washington state common school code, copies of which shall be provided in such numbers as determined by the superintendent of public instruction at no cost to those public agencies within the common school system and which shall be sold at approximate actual cost of publication and distribution per volume to all other public and nonpublic agencies or individuals, said manual to contain Titles 28A and 28C RCW, rules related to the common schools, and such other matter as the state superintendent or the state board of education shall determine. Proceeds of the sale of such code shall be transmitted to the public printer who shall credit the state superintendent's account within the state printing plant revolving fund by a like amount;
     (6) ((To act as ex officio member and the chief executive officer of the state board of education;
     (7)
)) To file all papers, reports and public documents transmitted to the superintendent by the school officials of the several counties or districts of the state, each year separately. Copies of all papers filed in the superintendent's office, and the superintendent's official acts, may, or upon request, shall be certified by the superintendent and attested by the superintendent's official seal, and when so certified shall be evidence of the papers or acts so certified to;
     (((8))) (7) To require annually, on or before the 15th day of August, of the president, manager, or principal of every educational institution in this state, a report as required by the superintendent of public instruction; and it is the duty of every president, manager, or principal, to complete and return such forms within such time as the superintendent of public instruction shall direct;
     (((9))) (8) To keep in the superintendent's office a record of all teachers receiving certificates to teach in the common schools of this state;
     (((10))) (9) To issue certificates as provided by law;
     (((11))) (10) To keep in the superintendent's office at the capital of the state, all books and papers pertaining to the business of the superintendent's office, and to keep and preserve in the superintendent's office a complete record of statistics, as well as a record of the meetings of the state board of education;
     (((12))) (11) With the assistance of the office of the attorney general, to decide all points of law which may be submitted to the superintendent in writing by any educational service district superintendent, or that may be submitted to the superintendent by any other person, upon appeal from the decision of any educational service district superintendent; and the superintendent shall publish his or her rulings and decisions from time to time for the information of school officials and teachers; and the superintendent's decision shall be final unless set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction;
     (((13))) (12) To administer oaths and affirmations in the discharge of the superintendent's official duties;
     (((14))) (13) To deliver to his or her successor, at the expiration of the superintendent's term of office, all records, books, maps, documents and papers of whatever kind belonging to the superintendent's office or which may have been received by the superintendent's for the use of the superintendent's office;
     (((15))) (14) To administer family services and programs to promote the state's policy as provided in RCW 74.14A.025;
     (((16))) (15) To promote the adoption of school-based curricula and policies that provide quality, daily physical education for all students, and to encourage policies that provide all students with opportunities for physical activity outside of formal physical education classes;
     (((17))) (16) To perform such other duties as may be required by law.

Sec. 104   RCW 28A.305.011 and 2005 c 497 s 101 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The membership of the state board of education shall be composed of sixteen members who are residents of the state of Washington:
     (a) Seven shall be members representing the educational system, as follows:
     (i) Five members elected by school district directors. Three of the members elected by school district directors shall be residents of western Washington and two members shall be residents of eastern Washington;
     (ii) One member elected at-large by the members of the boards of directors of all private schools in the state meeting the requirements of RCW 28A.195.010; and
     (iii) The superintendent of public instruction;
     (b) Seven members appointed by the governor; and
     (c) Two students selected in a manner determined by the state board of education.
     (2) Initial appointments shall be for terms from one to four years in length, with the terms expiring on the second Monday of January of the applicable year. As the terms of the first appointees expire or vacancies on the board occur, the governor shall appoint or reappoint members of the board to complete the initial terms or to four-year terms, as appropriate.
     (a) Appointees of the governor must be individuals who have demonstrated interest in public schools and are supportive of educational improvement, have a positive record of service, and who will devote sufficient time to the responsibilities of the board.
     (b) In appointing board members, the governor shall consider the diversity of the population of the state.
     (c) All appointments to the board made by the governor are subject to confirmation by the senate.
     (d) No person may serve as a member of the board, except the superintendent of public instruction, for more than two consecutive full four-year terms.
     (3) The governor may remove an appointed member of the board for neglect of duty, misconduct, malfeasance, or misfeasance in office, or for incompetent or unprofessional conduct as defined in chapter 18.130 RCW. In such a case, the governor shall file with the secretary of state a statement of the causes for and the order of removal from office, and the secretary of state shall send a certified copy of the statement of causes and order of removal to the last known post office address of the member.
     (4)(a) The chair of the board shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of the board. The chair of the board shall serve a term of two years, and may be reelected to an additional term. A member of the board may not serve as chair for more than two consecutive terms.
     (b) Eight voting members of the board constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
     (c) All members except the student members are voting members.
     (5) Members of the board appointed by the governor who are not public employees shall be compensated in accordance with RCW ((43.03.240)) 43.03.250 and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in carrying out the duties of the board in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

PART 2
BASIC EDUCATION ACT RESPONSIBILITIES

Sec. 201   RCW 28A.150.230 and 1994 c 245 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) It is the intent and purpose of this section to guarantee that each common school district board of directors, whether or not acting through its respective administrative staff, be held accountable for the proper operation of their district to the local community and its electorate. In accordance with the provisions of Title 28A RCW, as now or hereafter amended, each common school district board of directors shall be vested with the final responsibility for the setting of policies ensuring quality in the content and extent of its educational program and that such program provide students with the opportunity to achieve those skills which are generally recognized as requisite to learning.
     (2) In conformance with the provisions of Title 28A RCW, as now or hereafter amended, it shall be the responsibility of each common school district board of directors to adopt policies to:
     (a) Establish performance criteria and an evaluation process for its certificated personnel, including administrative staff, and for all programs constituting a part of such district's curriculum;
     (b) Determine the final assignment of staff, certificated or classified, according to board enumerated classroom and program needs;
     (c) Determine the amount of instructional hours necessary for any student to acquire a quality education in such district, in not less than an amount otherwise required in RCW 28A.150.220, or rules ((and regulations)) of the state board of education;
     (d) Determine the allocation of staff time, whether certificated or classified;
     (e) Establish final curriculum standards consistent with law and rules ((and regulations of the state board of education)) of the superintendent of public instruction, relevant to the particular needs of district students or the unusual characteristics of the district, and ensuring a quality education for each student in the district; and
     (f) Evaluate teaching materials, including text books, teaching aids, handouts, or other printed material, in public hearing upon complaint by parents, guardians or custodians of students who consider dissemination of such material to students objectionable.

Sec. 202   RCW 28A.505.140 and 1990 c 33 s 422 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the superintendent of public instruction ((is hereby directed to promulgate)) shall adopt such rules ((and regulations)) as will ((insure)) ensure proper budgetary procedures and practices, including monthly financial statements consistent with the provisions of RCW 43.09.200, and this chapter.
     (2) If the superintendent of public instruction determines upon a review of the budget of any district that said budget does not comply with the budget procedures established by this chapter or by rules ((and regulations promulgated)) adopted by the superintendent of public instruction, or the provisions of RCW 43.09.200, the superintendent shall give written notice of this determination to the board of directors of the local school district.
     (3) The local school district, notwithstanding any other provision of law, shall, within thirty days from the date the superintendent of public instruction issues a notice pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, submit a revised budget which meets the requirements of RCW 43.09.200, this chapter, and the rules ((and regulations)) of the superintendent of public instruction((: PROVIDED, That if the district fails or refuses to submit a revised budget which in the determination of the superintendent of public instruction meets the requirements of RCW 43.09.200, this chapter, and the rules and regulations of the superintendent of public instruction, the matter shall be submitted to the state board of education, which board shall meet and adopt a financial plan which shall be in effect until a budget can be adopted and submitted by the district in compliance with this section)).

PART 3
SCHOOL FACILITIES AND ORGANIZATION

Sec. 301   RCW 28A.525.020 and 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.47.060 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel, shall have the power and ((it shall be its)) duty (1) to prescribe rules ((and regulations)) governing the administration, control, terms, conditions, and disbursements of allotments to school districts to assist them in providing school plant facilities; (2) to approve allotments to districts that apply for state assistance whenever ((the board deems)) such action is advisable ((and in so doing to give due consideration to the findings, reports, and recommendations of the superintendent of public instruction pertaining thereto)); (3) to authorize the payment of approved allotments by warrant of the state treasurer; and (4) in the event that the amount of state assistance applied for exceeds the funds available for such assistance during any biennium, to make allotments on the basis of the urgency of need for school facilities in the districts that apply for assistance and/or to prorate allotments among such districts in conformity with applicable procedures and ((regulations applicable thereto which shall be established by the state board)) rules.

Sec. 302   RCW 28A.525.030 and 1995 c 77 s 23 are each amended to read as follows:
     Whenever funds are appropriated for modernization of existing school facilities, the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction is authorized to approve the use of such funds for modernization of existing facilities, modernization being limited to major structural changes in such facilities and, as necessary to bring such facilities into compliance with the barrier free access requirements of section 504 of the federal rehabilitation act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 706) and rules implementing the act, both major and minor structural changes, and may include as incidental thereto the replacement of fixtures, fittings, furnishings and service systems of a building in order to bring it up to a contemporary state consistent with the needs of changing educational programs. The allocation of such funds shall be made upon the same basis as funds used for the financing of a new school plant project utilized for a similar purpose.

Sec. 303   RCW 28A.525.050 and 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.47.080 are each amended to read as follows:
     All applications by school districts for state assistance in providing school plant facilities shall be made to the superintendent of public instruction ((in conformity with rules and regulations which shall be prescribed by the state board of education)). Studies and surveys shall be conducted by the ((aforesaid officer)) superintendent for the purpose of securing information relating to (1) the kind and extent of the school plant facilities required and the urgency of need for such facilities in districts that seek state assistance, (2) the ability of such districts to provide capital outlay funds by local effort, (3) the need for improvement of school administrative units and school attendance areas among or within such districts, and (4) any other pertinent matters. Recommendations respecting action on the ((aforesaid)) applications shall be submitted to the ((state board of education by the)) superintendent of public instruction ((together with such reports of the findings, studies, and surveys made by said officer as may be required by the state board)).

Sec. 304   RCW 28A.525.055 and 1994 c 219 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((state board of education,)) rules adopted by the superintendent of public instruction for ((purposes of)) determining eligibility for state assistance for new construction((,)) shall ((adopt rules excluding)) exclude from the inventory of available educational space those spaces that have been constructed for educational and community activities from grants received from other public or private entities.

Sec. 305   RCW 28A.525.070 and 1985 c 136 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The superintendent of public instruction shall furnish (((1))) to school districts seeking state assistance consultatory and advisory service in connection with the development of school building programs and the planning of school plant facilities for such district((, and (2) to the state board of education such service as may be required by the board in the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties vested in and required to be performed by the board)).

Sec. 306   RCW 28A.525.080 and 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.47.120 are each amended to read as follows:
     Insofar as is permissible under acts of congress, funds made available by the federal government for the purpose of assisting school districts in providing school plant facilities shall be made available to such districts in conformity with rules ((and regulations which)) that the ((state board of education)) superintendent, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel, shall establish.

Sec. 307   RCW 28A.525.090 and 1999 c 313 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel, shall adopt rules for appropriate use of the following construction management techniques: Value engineering, constructibility review, building commissioning, and construction management. Rules adopted under this section shall:
     (a) Define each technique as it applies to school buildings;
     (b) Describe the scope of work for each technique;
     (c) Define the timing for implementing each technique in the construction process;
     (d) Determine the appropriate size of projects for the use of each technique; and
     (e) Determine standards for qualification and performance for each technique.
     (2) Except as provided in rules adopted under subsection (1)(d) of this section, in allocating state moneys provided under this chapter, the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction shall include in funding for each project, at the state matching percentage, the cost of each of the construction management techniques listed in subsection (1) of this section.
     (3) When assigning priority and allocating state funds for construction of common school facilities, the ((state board of education)) superintendent shall consider the adequacy of the construction management techniques used by a district and the compliance with the rules adopted under subsection (1) of this section.
     (4) Except as provided in rules adopted under subsection (1)(d) of this section, the construction management techniques in subsection (1) of this section shall be used on each project submitted for approval by the ((state board of education)) superintendent.
     (5)(a) School districts applying for state assistance for school facilities shall:
     (i) Cause value engineering, constructibility review, and building commissioning to be performed by contract with a professional firm specializing in those construction management techniques; and
     (ii) Contract or employ personnel to perform professional construction management.
     (b) All recommendations from the value engineering and constructibility review construction techniques for a school project shall be presented to the school district's board of directors for acceptance or rejection. If the board of directors rejects a recommendation it shall provide a statement explaining the reasons for rejecting the recommendation and include the statement in the application for state assistance to the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction.
     (6) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall provide:
     (a) An information and training program for school districts on the use of the construction management techniques; and
     (b) Consulting services to districts on the benefits and best uses of these construction management techniques.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 308   A new section is added to chapter 28A.525 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) To maintain citizen oversight on issues pertaining to school facilities and funding for school construction, a school facilities citizen advisory panel is hereby created. The panel shall advise and make recommendations to the superintendent of public instruction regarding school facilities, funding for school construction, joint planning and financing of educational facilities, facility plans and programs for nonhigh school districts, and determinations of remote and necessary schools.
     (2) The membership of the school facilities citizen advisory panel shall be as follows:
     (a) One member of the state board of education;
     (b) Two school district directors representing school districts of various sizes and geographic locations, who are appointed by the state board of education and selected from a list of five names submitted to the board by the Washington state school directors' association; and
     (c) Four additional citizen members appointed by the state board of education.
     (3) Members of the panel shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
     (4) In addition to the school facilities citizen advisory panel, the superintendent of public instruction may convene a technical advisory group including representatives from school business officers, building and construction contracting and trade organizations, architecture and engineering organizations, and other organizations with expertise in school facilities.

Sec. 309   RCW 28A.525.162 and 1995 c 77 s 24 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Funds appropriated to the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction from the common school construction fund shall be allotted by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction in accordance with student enrollment and the provisions of RCW 28A.525.200.
     (2) No allotment shall be made to a school district until such district has provided matching funds equal to or greater than the difference between the total approved project cost and the amount of state assistance to the district for financing the project computed pursuant to RCW 28A.525.166, with the following exceptions:
     (a) The ((state board)) superintendent of public instruction may waive the matching requirement for districts which have provided funds for school building construction purposes through the authorization of bonds or through the authorization of excess tax levies or both in an amount equivalent to two and one-half percent of the value of its taxable property, as defined in RCW 39.36.015.
     (b) No such matching funds shall be required as a condition to the allotment of funds for the purpose of making major or minor structural changes to existing school facilities in order to bring such facilities into compliance with the barrier free access requirements of section 504 of the federal rehabilitation act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 706) and rules implementing the act.
     (3) For the purpose of computing the state matching percentage under RCW 28A.525.166 when a school district is granted authority to enter into contracts, adjusted valuation per pupil shall be calculated using headcount student enrollments from the most recent October enrollment reports submitted by districts to the superintendent of public instruction, adjusted as follows:
     (a) In the case of projects for which local bonds were approved after May 11, 1989:
     (i) For districts which have been designated as serving high school districts under RCW 28A.540.110, students residing in the nonhigh district so designating shall be excluded from the enrollment count if the student is enrolled in any grade level not offered by the nonhigh district;
     (ii) The enrollment of nonhigh school districts shall be increased by the number of students residing within the district who are enrolled in a serving high school district so designated by the nonhigh school district under RCW 28A.540.110, including only students who are enrolled in grade levels not offered by the nonhigh school district; and
     (iii) The number of preschool students with disabilities included in the enrollment count shall be multiplied by one-half;
     (b) In the case of construction or modernization of high school facilities in districts serving students from nonhigh school districts, the adjusted valuation per pupil shall be computed using the combined adjusted valuations and enrollments of each district, each weighted by the percentage of the district's resident high school students served by the high school district; and
     (c) The number of kindergarten students included in the enrollment count shall be multiplied by one-half.
     (4) The ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel, shall prescribe ((and make effective)) such rules as are necessary to equate insofar as possible the efforts made by school districts to provide capital funds by the means aforesaid.
     (5) For the purposes of this section, "preschool students with disabilities" means developmentally disabled children of preschool age who are entitled to services under RCW 28A.155.010 through 28A.155.100 and are not included in the kindergarten enrollment count of the district.

Sec. 310   RCW 28A.525.164 and 1990 c 33 s 456 are each amended to read as follows:
     In allotting the state funds provided by RCW ((28A.525.160 through 28A.525.182)) 28A.525.162 through 28A.525.180, the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction shall:
     (1) Prescribe rules ((and regulations)) not inconsistent with RCW ((28A.525.160 through 28A.525.182)) 28A.525.162 through 28A.525.180 governing the administration, control, terms, conditions, and disbursement of allotments to school districts to assist them in providing school plant facilities;
     (2) Approve((, whenever the board deems such action advisable,)) allotments to districts that apply for state assistance;
     (3) Authorize the payment of approved allotments by warrant of the state treasurer; and
     (4) In the event that the amount of state assistance applied for pursuant to the provisions hereof exceeds the funds available for such assistance during any biennium, make allotments on the basis of the urgency of need for school facilities in the districts that apply for assistance or prorate allotments among such districts in conformity with ((procedures and regulations)) applicable ((thereto which shall be established by the board)) rules.

Sec. 311   RCW 28A.525.166 and 1997 c 369 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     Allocations to school districts of state funds provided by RCW ((28A.525.160 through 28A.525.182)) 28A.525.162 through 28A.525.180 shall be made by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction and the amount of state assistance to a school district in financing a school plant project shall be determined in the following manner:
     (1) The boards of directors of the districts shall determine the total cost of the proposed project, which cost may include the cost of acquiring and preparing the site, the cost of constructing the building or of acquiring a building and preparing the same for school use, the cost of necessary equipment, taxes chargeable to the project, necessary architects' fees, and a reasonable amount for contingencies and for other necessary incidental expenses: PROVIDED, That the total cost of the project shall be subject to review and approval by the ((state board of education)) superintendent.
     (2) The state matching percentage for a school district shall be computed by the following formula:
     The ratio of the school district's adjusted valuation per pupil divided by the ratio of the total state adjusted valuation per pupil shall be subtracted from three, and then the result of the foregoing shall be divided by three plus (the ratio of the school district's adjusted valuation per pupil divided by the ratio of the total state adjusted valuation per pupil).

   District adjustedTotal state  
  3-valuation÷adjusted valuation 
Computed  per pupil per pupil State
State
- %Assistance
Ratio  District adjustedTotal state  
  3+valuation÷adjusted valuation 
   per pupil per pupil  

PROVIDED, That in the event the percentage of state assistance to any school district based on the above formula is less than twenty percent and such school district is otherwise eligible for state assistance under RCW ((28A.525.160 through 28A.525.182)) 28A.525.162 through 28A.525.180, the ((state board of education)) superintendent may establish for such district a percentage of state assistance not in excess of twenty percent of the approved cost of the project, if the ((state board)) superintendent finds that such additional assistance is necessary to provide minimum facilities for housing the pupils of the district.
     (3) In addition to the computed percent of state assistance developed in subsection (2) ((above)) of this section, a school district shall be entitled to additional percentage points determined by the average percentage of growth for the past three years. One percent shall be added to the computed percent of state assistance for each percent of growth, with a maximum of twenty percent.
     (4) The approved cost of the project determined in the manner ((herein)) prescribed ((times)) in this section multiplied by the percentage of state assistance derived as provided for ((herein)) in this section shall be the amount of state assistance to the district for the financing of the project: PROVIDED, That need therefor has been established to the satisfaction of the ((state board of education)) superintendent: PROVIDED, FURTHER, That additional state assistance may be allowed if it is found by the ((state board of education)) superintendent, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel that such assistance is necessary in order to meet (a) a school housing emergency resulting from the destruction of a school building by fire, the condemnation of a school building by properly constituted authorities, a sudden excessive and clearly foreseeable future increase in school population, or other conditions similarly emergent in nature; or (b) a special school housing burden resulting from industrial projects of statewide significance or imposed by virtue of the admission of nonresident students into educational programs established, maintained and operated in conformity with the requirements of law; or (c) a deficiency in the capital funds of the district resulting from financing, subsequent to April 1, 1969, and without benefit of the state assistance provided by prior state assistance programs, the construction of a needed school building project or projects approved in conformity with the requirements of such programs, after having first applied for and been denied state assistance because of the inadequacy of state funds available for the purpose, or (d) a condition created by the fact that an excessive number of students live in state owned housing, or (e) a need for the construction of a school building to provide for improved school district organization or racial balance, or (f) conditions similar to those defined under (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) ((hereinabove)) of this subsection, creating a like emergency.

Sec. 312   RCW 28A.525.168 and 1990 c 33 s 458 are each amended to read as follows:
     Whenever the voters of a school district authorize the issuance of bonds and/or the levying of excess taxes in an amount sufficient to meet the requirements of RCW 28A.525.162 respecting eligibility for state assistance in providing school facilities, the taxable valuation of the district and the percentage of state assistance in providing school facilities prevailing at the time of such authorization shall be the valuation and the percentage used for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the district for an allotment of state funds and the amount or amounts of such allotments, respectively, for all projects for which the voters authorize capital funds as aforesaid, unless a higher percentage of state assistance prevails on the date that state funds for assistance in financing a project are allotted by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction in which case the percentage prevailing on the date of allotment by the ((state board)) superintendent of funds for each project shall govern: PROVIDED, That if the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel, determines at any time that there has been undue or unwarranted delay on the part of school district authorities in advancing a project to the point of readiness for an allotment of state funds, the taxable valuation of the school district and the percentage of state assistance prevailing on the date that the allotment is made shall be used for the purposes aforesaid: PROVIDED, FURTHER, That the date ((herein)) specified in this section as applicable in determining the eligibility of an individual school district for state assistance and in determining the amount of such assistance shall be applicable also to cases where it is necessary in administering chapter 28A.540 RCW to determine eligibility for and the amount of state assistance for a group of school districts considered as a single school administrative unit.

Sec. 313   RCW 28A.525.170 and 1990 c 33 s 459 are each amended to read as follows:
     If a school district which has qualified for an allotment of state funds under the provisions of RCW ((28A.525.160 through 28A.525.182)) 28A.525.162 through 28A.525.180 for school building construction is found by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel, to have a school housing emergency requiring an allotment of state funds in excess of the amount allocable under RCW 28A.525.166, an additional allotment may be made to such district: PROVIDED, That the total amount allotted shall not exceed ninety percent of the total cost of the approved project which may include the cost of the site and equipment. At any time thereafter when the ((state board of education)) superintendent finds that the financial position of such school district has improved through an increase in its taxable valuation or through retirement of bonded indebtedness or through a reduction in school housing requirements, or for any combination of these reasons, the amount of such additional allotment, or any part of such amount as the ((state board of education)) superintendent determines, shall be deducted, under terms and conditions prescribed by the ((board)) superintendent, from any state school building construction funds which might otherwise be provided to such district.

Sec. 314   RCW 28A.525.172 and 1969 ex.s. c 244 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     All applications by school districts for state assistance in providing school plant facilities shall be made to the superintendent of public instruction in conformity with rules ((and regulations which shall be prescribed)) adopted by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel. Studies and surveys shall be conducted by the ((state board)) superintendent for the purpose of securing information relating to (a) the kind and extent of the school plant facilities required and the urgency of need for such facilities in districts that seek state assistance, (b) the ability of such districts to provide capital funds by local effort, (c) the need for improvement of school administrative units and school attendance areas among or within such districts, and (d) any other pertinent matters.

Sec. 315   RCW 28A.525.174 and 1990 c 33 s 460 are each amended to read as follows:
     It shall be the duty of the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with the Washington state department of social and health services, to prepare a manual and/or to specify other materials for the information and guidance of local school district authorities and others responsible for and concerned with the designing, planning, maintenance and operation of school plant facilities for the public schools. In so doing due consideration shall be given to the presentation of information regarding (((a))) (1) the need for cooperative state-local district action in planning school plant facilities arising out of the cooperative plan for financing said facilities provided for in RCW ((28A.525.160 through 28A.525.182; (b))) 28A.525.162 through 28A.525.180; (2) procedures in inaugurating and conducting a school plant planning program for a school district; (((c))) (3) standards for use in determining the selection and development of school sites and in designing, planning, and constructing school buildings to the end that the health, safety, and educational well-being and development of school children will be served; (((d))) (4) the planning of readily expansible and flexible school buildings to meet the requirements of an increasing school population and a constantly changing educational program; (((e))) (5) an acceptable school building maintenance program and the necessity therefor; (((f))) (6) the relationship of an efficient school building operations service to the health and educational progress of pupils; and (((g))) (7) any other matters regarded by the ((state board)) superintendent as pertinent or related to the purposes and requirements of RCW ((28A.525.160 through 28A.525.182)) 28A.525.162 through 28A.525.180.

Sec. 316   RCW 28A.525.176 and 1990 c 33 s 461 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction shall furnish to school districts seeking state assistance under the provisions of RCW ((28A.525.160 through 28A.525.182)) 28A.525.162 through 28A.525.180 consultatory and advisory service in connection with the development of school building programs and the planning of school plant facilities.

Sec. 317   RCW 28A.525.178 and 1990 c 33 s 462 are each amended to read as follows:
     ((Whenever in the judgment of the state board of education)) When economies may be ((effected)) affected without impairing the usefulness and adequacy of school buildings, ((said board)) the superintendent of public instruction, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel, may prescribe rules ((and regulations)) and establish procedures governing the preparation and use of modifiable basic or standard plans for school building construction projects for which state assistance funds provided by RCW ((28A.525.160 through 28A.525.182)) 28A.525.162 through 28A.525.180 are allotted.

Sec. 318   RCW 28A.525.180 and 1990 c 33 s 463 are each amended to read as follows:
     The total amount of funds appropriated under the provisions of RCW ((28A.525.160 through 28A.525.182)) 28A.525.162 through 28A.525.180 shall be reduced by the amount of federal funds made available during each biennium for school construction purposes under any applicable federal law. The funds appropriated by RCW ((28A.525.160 through 28A.525.182)) 28A.525.162 through 28A.525.180 and available for allotment by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction shall be reduced by the amount of such federal funds made available. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the total amount of funds appropriated by RCW ((28A.525.160 through 28A.525.182)) 28A.525.162 through 28A.525.180 shall not be reduced by reason of any grants to any school district of federal moneys paid under Public Law No. 815 or any other federal act authorizing school building construction assistance to federally affected areas.

Sec. 319   RCW 28A.525.190 and 1975 1st ex.s. c 98 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel shall prioritize the construction of common school facilities only from funds appropriated and available in the common school construction fund.

Sec. 320   RCW 28A.525.200 and 1990 c 33 s 465 are each amended to read as follows:
     Notwithstanding any other provision of RCW 28A.525.010 through 28A.525.222, the allocation and distribution of funds by the ((state board of education which are now or may hereafter be appropriated)) superintendent of public instruction, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel, for the purposes of providing assistance in the construction of school plant facilities shall be governed by ((RCW 28A.525.010 through 28A.525.080 and 28A.525.162 through 28A.525.178)) this chapter.

Sec. 321   RCW 28A.525.216 and 1990 c 33 s 467 are each amended to read as follows:
     The proceeds from the sale of the bonds deposited under RCW 28A.525.214 in the common school construction fund shall be administered by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction.

Sec. 322   RCW 28A.150.260 and 1997 c 13 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     The basic education allocation for each annual average full time equivalent student shall be determined in accordance with the following procedures:
     (1) The governor shall and the superintendent of public instruction may recommend to the legislature a formula based on a ratio of students to staff for the distribution of a basic education allocation for each annual average full time equivalent student enrolled in a common school. The distribution formula shall have the primary objective of equalizing educational opportunities and shall provide appropriate recognition of the following costs among the various districts within the state:
     (a) Certificated instructional staff and their related costs;
     (b) Certificated administrative staff and their related costs;
     (c) Classified staff and their related costs;
     (d) Nonsalary costs;
     (e) Extraordinary costs, including school facilities, of remote and necessary schools as judged by the superintendent of public instruction, with recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel under section 308 of this act, and small high schools, including costs of additional certificated and classified staff; and
     (f) The attendance of students pursuant to RCW 28A.335.160 and 28A.225.250 who do not reside within the servicing school district.
     (2)(a) This formula for distribution of basic education funds shall be reviewed biennially by the superintendent and governor. The recommended formula shall be subject to approval, amendment or rejection by the legislature. The formula shall be for allocation purposes only. While the legislature intends that the allocations for additional instructional staff be used to increase the ratio of such staff to students, nothing in this section shall require districts to reduce the number of administrative staff below existing levels.
     (b) The formula adopted by the legislature shall reflect the following ratios at a minimum: (i) Forty-nine certificated instructional staff to one thousand annual average full time equivalent students enrolled in grades kindergarten through three; (ii) forty-six certificated instructional staff to one thousand annual average full time equivalent students in grades four through twelve; (iii) four certificated administrative staff to one thousand annual average full time equivalent students in grades kindergarten through twelve; and (iv) sixteen and sixty-seven one-hundredths classified personnel to one thousand annual average full time equivalent students enrolled in grades kindergarten through twelve.
     (c) In the event the legislature rejects the distribution formula recommended by the governor, without adopting a new distribution formula, the distribution formula for the previous school year shall remain in effect: PROVIDED, That the distribution formula developed pursuant to this section shall be for state apportionment and equalization purposes only and shall not be construed as mandating specific operational functions of local school districts other than those program requirements identified in RCW 28A.150.220 and 28A.150.100. The enrollment of any district shall be the annual average number of full time equivalent students and part time students as provided in RCW 28A.150.350, enrolled on the first school day of each month and shall exclude full time equivalent students with disabilities recognized for the purposes of allocation of state funds for programs under RCW 28A.155.010 through 28A.155.100. The definition of full time equivalent student shall be determined by rules of the superintendent of public instruction: PROVIDED, That the definition shall be included as part of the superintendent's biennial budget request: PROVIDED, FURTHER, That any revision of the present definition shall not take effect until approved by the house appropriations committee and the senate ways and means committee: PROVIDED, FURTHER, That the office of financial management shall make a monthly review of the superintendent's reported full time equivalent students in the common schools in conjunction with RCW 43.62.050.
     (3)(a) Certificated instructional staff shall include those persons employed by a school district who are nonsupervisory employees within the meaning of RCW 41.59.020(8): PROVIDED, That in exceptional cases, people of unusual competence but without certification may teach students so long as a certificated person exercises general supervision: PROVIDED, FURTHER, That the hiring of such classified people shall not occur during a labor dispute and such classified people shall not be hired to replace certificated employees during a labor dispute.
     (b) Certificated administrative staff shall include all those persons who are chief executive officers, chief administrative officers, confidential employees, supervisors, principals, or assistant principals within the meaning of RCW 41.59.020(4).

Sec. 323   RCW 28A.335.160 and 1995 c 335 s 604 are each amended to read as follows:
     Any school district may cooperate with one or more school districts in the joint financing, planning, construction, equipping and operating of any educational facility otherwise authorized by law: PROVIDED, That any cooperative financing plan involving the construction of school plant facilities must be approved by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel under section 308 of this act, pursuant to such rules ((as may now or hereafter be promulgated)) adopted relating to state approval of school construction.

Sec. 324   RCW 28A.540.050 and 1990 c 33 s 485 are each amended to read as follows:
     Subsequent to the holding of a hearing or hearings as provided in RCW 28A.540.040, the regional committee on school district organization shall determine the nonhigh school districts to be included in the plan and the amount of capital funds to be provided by every school district included therein, and shall submit the proposed plan to the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction together with such maps and other materials pertaining thereto as the ((state board)) superintendent may require. The ((state board)) superintendent, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel under section 308 of this act, shall review such plan, shall approve any plan which in ((its)) his or her judgment makes adequate and satisfactory provision for participation by the nonhigh school districts in providing capital funds to be used for the purpose above stated, and shall notify the regional committee of such action. Upon receipt by the regional committee of such notification, the educational service district superintendent, or his or her designee, shall notify the board of directors of each school district included in the plan, supplying each board with complete details of the plan and shall state the total amount of funds to be provided and the amount to be provided by each district.
     If any such plan submitted by a regional committee is not approved by the ((state board)) superintendent of public instruction, the regional committee shall be so notified, which notification shall contain a statement of reasons therefor and suggestions for revision. Within sixty days thereafter the regional committee shall submit to the ((state board)) superintendent a revised plan which revision shall be subject to approval or disapproval by the ((state board)) superintendent, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel, and the procedural requirements and provisions of law applicable to an original plan submitted to ((said board)) the superintendent.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 325   A new section is added to chapter 28A.545 RCW to read as follows:
     The superintendent of public instruction, with recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel under section 308 of this act, shall adopt rules governing the establishment in any existing nonhigh school district of any secondary program or any new grades in grades nine through twelve. Before any such program or any new grades are established, the district must obtain prior approval of the superintendent of public instruction.

Sec. 326   RCW 28A.150.530 and 2005 c 12 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) In adopting implementation rules, ((the state board of education, in consultation with)) the superintendent of public instruction ((and)), in consultation with the department of general administration, shall review and modify the current requirement for an energy conservation report review by the department of general administration as provided in WAC 180-27-075.
     (2) In adopting implementation rules, ((the state board of education, in consultation with)) the superintendent of public instruction shall:
     (a) Review and modify the current requirements for value engineering, ((constructability)) constructibility review, and building commissioning as provided in WAC 180-27-080;
     (b) Review private and public utility providers' capacity and financial/technical assistance programs for affected public school districts to monitor and report utility consumption for purposes of reporting to the superintendent of public instruction as provided in RCW 39.35D.040;
     (c) Coordinate with the department of general administration, the state board of health, the department of ecology, federal agencies, and other affected agencies as appropriate in their consideration of rules to implement this section.

Sec. 327   RCW 28A.335.210 and 2005 c 36 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((state board of education and)) superintendent of public instruction shall allocate, as a nondeductible item, out of any moneys appropriated for state assistance to school districts for the original construction of any school plant facility the amount of one-half of one percent of the appropriation to be expended by the Washington state arts commission for the acquisition of works of art. The works of art may be placed in accordance with Article IX, sections 2 and 3 of the state Constitution on public lands, integral to or attached to a public building or structure, detached within or outside a public building or structure, part of a portable exhibition or collection, part of a temporary exhibition, or loaned or exhibited in other public facilities. The Washington state arts commission shall, in consultation with the superintendent of public instruction, determine the amount to be made available for the purchase of works of art under this section, and payments therefor shall be made in accordance with law. The designation of projects and sites, selection, contracting, purchase, commissioning, reviewing of design, execution and placement, acceptance, maintenance, and sale, exchange, or disposition of works of art shall be the responsibility of the Washington state arts commission in consultation with the superintendent of public instruction and representatives of school district boards of directors. The superintendent of public instruction and the school district board of directors of the districts where the sites are selected shall have the right to:
     (1) Waive its use of the one-half of one percent of the appropriation for the acquisition of works of art before the selection process by the Washington state arts commission;
     (2) Appoint a representative to the body established by the Washington state arts commission to be part of the selection process with full voting rights;
     (3) Reject the results of the selection process;
     (4) Reject the placement of a completed work or works of art on school district premises if such works are portable.
     Rejection at any point before or after the selection process shall not cause the loss of or otherwise endanger state construction funds available to the local school district. Any works of art rejected under this section shall be applied to the provision of works of art under this chapter, at the discretion of the Washington state arts commission, notwithstanding any contract or agreement between the affected school district and the artist involved. In addition to the cost of the works of art the one-half of one percent of the appropriation as provided ((herein)) in this section shall be used to provide for the administration, including conservation of the state art collection, by the Washington state arts commission and all costs for installation of the work of art. For the purpose of this section building shall not include sheds, warehouses, or other buildings of a temporary nature.
     The executive director of the arts commission, the superintendent of public instruction, and the Washington state school directors association shall appoint a study group to review the operations of the one-half of one percent for works of art under this section.

Sec. 328   RCW 28A.335.230 and 1987 c 112 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     School districts shall be required to lease for a reasonable fee vacant school plant facilities from a contiguous school district wherever possible.
     No school district with unhoused students may be eligible for the state matching funds for the construction of school plant facilities if:
     (1) The school district contiguous to the school district applying for the state matching percentage has vacant school plant facilities;
     (2) The superintendent of public instruction ((and the state board of education have)) has determined the vacant school plant facilities available in the contiguous district will fulfill the needs of the applicant district in housing unhoused students. In determining whether the contiguous district school plant facilities meet the needs of the applicant district, consideration shall be given, but not limited to the geographic location of the vacant facilities as they relate to the applicant district; and
     (3) A lease of the vacant school plant facilities can be negotiated.

Sec. 329   RCW 28A.540.070 and 1990 c 33 s 486 are each amended to read as follows:
     In the event that a proposal or proposals for providing capital funds as provided in RCW 28A.540.060 is not approved by the voters of a nonhigh school district a second election thereon shall be held within sixty days thereafter. If the vote of the electors of the nonhigh school district is again in the negative, the high school students residing therein shall not be entitled to admission to the high school under the provisions of RCW 28A.225.210, following the close of the school year during which the second election is held: PROVIDED, That in any such case the regional committee on school district organization shall determine within thirty days after the date of the aforesaid election the advisability of initiating a proposal for annexation of such nonhigh school district to the school district in which the proposed facilities are to be located or to some other district where its students can attend high school without undue inconvenience: PROVIDED FURTHER, That pending such determination by the regional committee and action thereon as required by law the board of directors of the high school district shall continue to admit high school students residing in the nonhigh school district. Any proposal for annexation of a nonhigh school district initiated by a regional committee shall be subject to the procedural requirements of this chapter respecting a public hearing and submission to and approval by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, considering policy recommendations from the school facilities citizen advisory panel under section 308 of this act. Upon approval by the ((state board)) superintendent of public instruction of any such proposal, the educational service district superintendent shall make an order, establishing the annexation.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 330   The following sections are each decodified:
     RCW 28A.525.120
     RCW 28A.525.122
     RCW 28A.525.124
     RCW 28A.525.126
     RCW 28A.525.128
     RCW 28A.525.130
     RCW 28A.525.132
     RCW 28A.525.134
     RCW 28A.525.140
     RCW 28A.525.142
     RCW 28A.525.144
     RCW 28A.525.146
     RCW 28A.525.148
     RCW 28A.525.150
     RCW 28A.525.152
     RCW 28A.525.154
     RCW 28A.525.156
     RCW 28A.525.158
     RCW 28A.525.160
     RCW 28A.525.182

PART 4
COURSES OF STUDY AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Sec. 401   RCW 28A.305.220 and 2004 c 19 s 108 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with the higher education coordinating board, the state board for community and technical colleges, and the work force training and education coordinating board, shall develop for use by all public school districts a standardized high school transcript. The ((state board of education)) superintendent shall establish clear definitions for the terms "credits" and "hours" so that school programs operating on the quarter, semester, or trimester system can be compared.
     (2) The standardized high school transcript shall include the following information:
     (a) The highest scale score and level achieved in each content area on the high school Washington assessment of student learning or other high school measures successfully completed by the student as provided by RCW 28A.655.061 and 28A.155.045;
     (b) All scholar designations as provided by RCW 28A.655.061;
     (c) A notation of whether the student has earned a certificate of individual achievement or a certificate of academic achievement by means of the Washington assessment of student learning or by an alternative assessment.
     (3) Transcripts are important documents to students who will apply for admission to postsecondary institutions of higher education. Transcripts are also important to students who will seek employment upon or prior to graduation from high school. It is recognized that student transcripts may be the only record available to employers in their decision-making processes regarding prospective employees. The superintendent of public instruction shall require school districts to inform annually all high school students that prospective employers may request to see transcripts and that the prospective employee's decision to release transcripts can be an important part of the process of applying for employment.

Sec. 402   RCW 28A.230.100 and 1991 c 116 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with the higher education coordinating board, the state board for community and technical colleges, and the work force training and education coordinating board, shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW, to implement the course requirements set forth in RCW 28A.230.090. The rules shall include, as the ((state board)) superintendent deems necessary, granting equivalencies for and temporary exemptions from the course requirements in RCW 28A.230.090 and special alterations of the course requirements in RCW 28A.230.090. In developing such rules the ((state board)) superintendent shall recognize the relevance of vocational and applied courses and allow such courses to fulfill in whole or in part the courses required for graduation in RCW 28A.230.090. The rules may include provisions for competency testing in lieu of such courses required for graduation in RCW 28A.230.090 or demonstration of specific skill proficiency or understanding of concepts through work or experience.

Sec. 403   RCW 28A.230.170 and 1985 c 341 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The study of the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Washington shall be a condition prerequisite to graduation from the public and private high schools of this state. The ((state board of education acting upon the advice of the)) superintendent of public instruction shall provide by rule ((or regulation)) for the implementation of this section.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 404   The state board of education, in consultation with the state board for community and technical colleges, shall examine the statutory authority, rules, and jurisdiction between the K-12 and postsecondary education systems regarding the general educational development test and adult education. The board shall make recommendations for change or clarification to the education committees of the legislature by January 15, 2007.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 405   (1) The state board of education shall develop and propose a revised definition of the purpose and expectations for high school diplomas issued by public schools in Washington state. The revised definition shall address whether attainment of a high school diploma is intended to signify that a student is ready for success in college, ready for successful and gainful employment in the workplace, or some combination of these and other objectives. The revised definition shall focus on the knowledge, skills, and abilities that students are expected to demonstrate to receive a high school diploma, as well as the various methods to be used to measure student performance, rather than focusing on courses, credits, seat time, and test scores.
     (2) In developing the revised definition of the high school diploma, the state board of education shall consult with educators, parents, institutions of higher education, employers, and community leaders. The board shall also work with the state board for community and technical colleges, the higher education coordinating board, and the work force training and education coordinating board.
     (3) The state board of education shall submit the proposed revised definition of the high school diploma, along with any necessary revisions to state statutes and rules, to the education committees of the legislature by December 1, 2007.

Sec. 406   RCW 28A.305.170 and 2002 c 291 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) In addition to any other powers and duties as provided by law, the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with the military department, shall adopt rules governing and authorizing the acceptance of national guard high school career training and the national guard youth challenge program in lieu of either required high school credits or elective high school credits.
     (2) With the exception of students enrolled in the national guard youth challenge program, students enrolled in such national guard programs shall be considered enrolled in the common school last attended preceding enrollment in such national guard program.
     (3) The ((board)) superintendent shall adopt rules to ensure that students who successfully complete the national guard youth challenge program are granted an appropriate number of high school credits, based on the students' levels of academic proficiency as measured by the program.

Sec. 407   RCW 28A.230.130 and 2003 c 49 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) All public high schools of the state shall provide a program, directly or in cooperation with a community college or another school district, for students whose educational plans include application for entrance to a baccalaureate-granting institution after being granted a high school diploma. The program shall help these students to meet at least the minimum entrance requirements under RCW 28B.10.050.
     (2) All public high schools of the state shall provide a program, directly or in cooperation with a community or technical college, a skills center, an apprenticeship committee, or another school district, for students who plan to pursue career or work opportunities other than entrance to a baccalaureate-granting institution after being granted a high school diploma. These programs may:
     (a) Help students demonstrate the application of essential academic learning requirements to the world of work, occupation-specific skills, knowledge of more than one career in a chosen pathway, and employability and leadership skills; and
     (b) Help students demonstrate the knowledge and skill needed to prepare for industry certification, and/or have the opportunity to articulate to postsecondary education and training programs.
     (((3) The state board of education, upon request from local school districts, may grant waivers from the requirements to provide the program described in subsections (1) and (2) of this section for reasons relating to school district size and the availability of staff authorized to teach subjects which must be provided. In considering waiver requests related to programs in subsection (2) of this section, the state board of education shall consider the extent to which the school district has offered such programs before the 2003-04 school year.))

Sec. 408   RCW 28A.205.010 and 2005 c 497 s 214 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) As used in this chapter, unless the context thereof shall clearly indicate to the contrary:
     "Education center" means any private school operated on a profit or nonprofit basis which does the following:
     (a) Is devoted to the teaching of basic academic skills, including specific attention to improvement of student motivation for achieving, and employment orientation.
     (b) Operates on a clinical, client centered basis. This shall include, but not be limited to, performing diagnosis of individual educational abilities, determination and setting of individual goals, prescribing and providing individual courses of instruction therefor, and evaluation of each individual client's progress in his or her educational program.
     (c) Conducts courses of instruction by professionally trained personnel certificated by the Washington professional educator standards board according to rules adopted for the purposes of this chapter and providing, for certification purposes, that a year's teaching experience in an education center shall be deemed equal to a year's teaching experience in a common or private school.
     (2) For purposes of this chapter, basic academic skills shall include the study of mathematics, speech, language, reading and composition, science, history, literature and political science or civics; it shall not include courses of a vocational training nature and shall not include courses deemed nonessential to the accrediting ((of the common schools)) or the approval of private schools under RCW 28A.305.130.
     (3) The ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction shall certify an education center only upon application and (a) determination that such school comes within the definition thereof as set forth in subsection (1) of this section and (b) demonstration on the basis of actual educational performance of such applicants' students which shows after consideration of their students' backgrounds, educational gains that are a direct result of the applicants' educational program. Such certification may be withdrawn if the ((board)) superintendent finds that a center fails to provide adequate instruction in basic academic skills. No education center certified by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction pursuant to this section shall be deemed a common school under RCW 28A.150.020 or a private school for the purposes of RCW 28A.195.010 through 28A.195.050.

Sec. 409   RCW 28A.215.010 and 1995 c 335 s 104 are each amended to read as follows:
     The board of directors of any school district shall have the power to establish and maintain preschools and to provide before-and-after-school and vacation care in connection with the common schools of said district located at such points as the board shall deem most suitable for the convenience of the public, for the care and instruction of infants and children residing in said district. The board shall establish such courses, activities, rules, and regulations governing preschools and before-and-after-school care as it may deem best: PROVIDED, That these courses and activities shall meet the minimum standard for such preschools as established by the United States department of health, education and welfare, or its successor agency, and the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction. Except as otherwise provided by state or federal law, the board of directors may fix a reasonable charge for the care and instruction of children attending such schools. The board may, if necessary, supplement such funds as are received for the superintendent of public instruction or any agency of the federal government, by an appropriation from the general school fund of the district.

Sec. 410   RCW 28A.215.020 and 1995 c 335 s 308 are each amended to read as follows:
     Expenditures under federal funds and/or state appropriations made to carry out the purposes of RCW 28A.215.010 through 28A.215.050 shall be made by warrants issued by the state treasurer upon order of the superintendent of public instruction. The ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction shall make necessary rules ((and regulations)) to carry out the purpose of RCW 28A.215.010. After being notified by the office of the governor that there is an agency or department responsible for early learning, the superintendent shall consult with that agency when establishing relevant rules.

Sec. 411   RCW 28A.205.040 and 1999 c 348 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) From funds appropriated for that purpose, the superintendent of public instruction shall pay fees to a certified center on a monthly basis for each student enrolled in compliance with RCW 28A.205.020. The superintendent shall set fees by rule.
     (b) Revisions in such fees proposed by an education center shall become effective after thirty days notice unless the superintendent finds such a revision is unreasonable in which case the revision shall not take effect. ((An education center may, within fifteen days after such a finding by the superintendent, file notification of appeal with the state board of education which shall, no later than its second regularly scheduled meeting following notification of such appeal, either grant or deny the proposed revision.)) The administration of any general education development test shall not be a part of such initial diagnostic procedure.
     (c) Reimbursements shall not be made for students who are absent.
     (d) No center shall make any charge to any student, or the student's parent, guardian or custodian, for whom a fee is being received under the provisions of this section.
     (2) Payments shall be made from available funds first to those centers that have in the judgment of the superintendent demonstrated superior performance based upon consideration of students' educational gains taking into account such students' backgrounds, and upon consideration of cost effectiveness. In considering the cost effectiveness of nonprofit centers the superintendent shall take into account not only payments made under this section but also factors such as tax exemptions, direct and indirect subsidies or any other cost to taxpayers at any level of government which result from such nonprofit status.
     (3) To be eligible for such payment, every such center, without prior notice, shall permit a review of its accounting records by personnel of the state auditor during normal business hours.
     (4) If total funds for this purpose approach depletion, the superintendent shall notify the centers of the date after which further funds for reimbursement of the centers' services will be exhausted.

Sec. 412   RCW 28A.215.140 and 1988 c 174 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department shall establish an advisory committee composed of interested parents and representatives from ((the state board of education,)) the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the division of children and family services within the department of social and health services, early childhood education and development staff preparation programs, the head start programs, school districts, and such other community and business organizations as deemed necessary by the department to assist with the establishment of the preschool program and advise the department on matters regarding the on-going promotion and operation of the program.

Sec. 413   RCW 28A.230.020 and 1991 c 116 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     All common schools shall give instruction in reading, penmanship, orthography, written and mental arithmetic, geography, the history of the United States, English grammar, physiology and hygiene with special reference to the effects of alcohol and drug abuse on the human system, science with special reference to the environment, and such other studies as may be prescribed by rule ((or regulation)) of the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction. All teachers shall stress the importance of the cultivation of manners, the fundamental principles of honesty, honor, industry and economy, the minimum requisites for good health including the beneficial effect of physical exercise and methods to prevent exposure to and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, and the worth of kindness to all living creatures and the land. The prevention of child abuse may be offered as part of the curriculum in the common schools.

Sec. 414   RCW 28A.230.040 and 1984 c 52 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     Every pupil attending grades one through eight of the public schools shall receive instruction in physical education as prescribed by rule ((or regulation)) of the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction: PROVIDED, That individual pupils or students may be excused on account of physical disability, religious belief, or participation in directed athletics.

Sec. 415   RCW 28A.230.050 and 1985 c 384 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     All high schools of the state shall emphasize the work of physical education, and carry into effect all physical education requirements established by rule ((or regulation)) of the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction: PROVIDED, That individual students may be excused from participating in physical education otherwise required under this section on account of physical disability, employment, or religious belief, or because of participation in directed athletics or military science and tactics or for other good cause.

Sec. 416   RCW 28A.330.100 and 1995 c 335 s 503 and 1995 c 77 s 22 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     Every board of directors of a school district of the first class, in addition to the general powers for directors enumerated in this title, shall have the power:
     (1) To employ for a term of not exceeding three years a superintendent of schools of the district, and for cause to dismiss him or her((;)), and to fix his or her duties and compensation((.));
     (2) To employ, and for cause dismiss one or more assistant superintendents and to define their duties and fix their compensation((.));
     (3) To employ a business manager, attorneys, architects, inspectors of construction, superintendents of buildings and a superintendent of supplies, all of whom shall serve at the board's pleasure, and to prescribe their duties and fix their compensation((.));
     (4) To employ, and for cause dismiss, supervisors of instruction and to define their duties and fix their compensation((.));
     (5) To prescribe a course of study and a program of exercises which shall be consistent with the course of study prepared by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction for the use of the common schools of this state((.));
     (6) To, in addition to the minimum requirements imposed by this title establish and maintain such grades and departments, including night, high, kindergarten, vocational training and, except as otherwise provided by law, industrial schools, and schools and departments for the education and training of any class or classes of youth with disabilities, as in the judgment of the board, best shall promote the interests of education in the district((.));
     (7) To determine the length of time over and above one hundred eighty days that school shall be maintained: PROVIDED, That for purposes of apportionment no district shall be credited with more than one hundred and eighty-three days' attendance in any school year; and to fix the time for annual opening and closing of schools and for the daily dismissal of pupils before the regular time for closing schools((.));
     (8) To maintain a shop and repair department, and to employ, and for cause dismiss, a foreman and the necessary help for the maintenance and conduct thereof((.));
     (9) To provide free textbooks and supplies for all children attending school((.));
     (10) To require of the officers or employees of the district to give a bond for the honest performance of their duties in such penal sum as may be fixed by the board with good and sufficient surety, and to cause the premium for all bonds required of all such officers or employees to be paid by the district: PROVIDED, That the board may, by written policy, allow that such bonds may include a deductible proviso not to exceed two percent of the officer's or employee's annual salary((.));
     (11) To prohibit all secret fraternities and sororities among the students in any of the schools of the said districts((.)); and
     (12) To appoint a practicing physician, resident of the school district, who shall be known as the school district medical inspector, and whose duty it shall be to decide for the board of directors all questions of sanitation and health affecting the safety and welfare of the public schools of the district who shall serve at the board's pleasure: PROVIDED, That children shall not be required to submit to vaccination against the will of their parents or guardian.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 417   RCW 28A.305.220 is recodified as a new section in chapter 28A.230 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 418   RCW 28A.305.170 is recodified as a new section in chapter 28A.300 RCW.

PART 5
SCHOOL DISTRICT BOUNDARIES

Sec. 501   RCW 28A.315.175 and 1999 c 315 s 302 are each amended to read as follows:
     ((The powers and duties of the state board with respect to this chapter shall be)) The superintendent of public instruction shall:
     (1) ((To)) Aid regional committees in the performance of their duties by furnishing them with plans of procedure, standards, data, maps, forms, and other necessary materials and services essential to a study and understanding of the problems of school district organization in their respective educational service districts((.)); and
     (2) ((To hear appeals as provided in RCW 28A.315.205)) Carry out powers and duties of the superintendent of public instruction relating to the organization and reorganization of school districts.

Sec. 502   RCW 28A.315.195 and 2003 c 413 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A proposed change in school district organization by transfer of territory from one school district to another may be initiated by a petition in writing presented to the educational service district superintendent:
     (a) Signed by at least fifty percent plus one of the active registered voters residing in the territory proposed to be transferred; or
     (b) Signed by a majority of the members of the board of directors of one of the districts affected by a proposed transfer of territory.
     (2) The petition shall state the name and number of each district affected, describe the boundaries of the territory proposed to be transferred, and state the reasons for desiring the change and the number of children of school age, if any, residing in the territory.
     (3) The educational service district superintendent shall not complete any transfer of territory under this section that involves ten percent or more of the common school student population of the entire district from which the transfer is proposed, unless the educational service district superintendent has first called and held a special election of the voters of the entire school district from which the transfer of territory is proposed. The purpose of the election is to afford those voters an opportunity to approve or reject the proposed transfer. A simple majority shall determine approval or rejection.
     (4) The ((state board)) superintendent of public instruction may establish rules limiting the frequency of petitions that may be filed pertaining to territory included in whole or in part in a previous petition.
     (5) Upon receipt of the petition, the educational service district superintendent shall notify in writing the affected districts that:
     (a) Each school district board of directors, whether or not initiating a proposed transfer of territory, is required to enter into negotiations with the affected district or districts;
     (b) In the case of a citizen-initiated petition, the affected districts must negotiate on the entire proposed transfer of territory;
     (c) The districts have ninety calendar days in which to agree to the proposed transfer of territory;
     (d) The districts may request and shall be granted by the educational service district superintendent one thirty-day extension to try to reach agreement; and
     (e) Any district involved in the negotiations may at any time during the ninety-day period notify the educational service district superintendent in writing that agreement will not be possible.
     (6) If the negotiating school boards cannot come to agreement about the proposed transfer of territory, the educational service district superintendent, if requested by the affected districts, shall appoint a mediator. The mediator has thirty days to work with the affected school districts to see if an agreement can be reached on the proposed transfer of territory.
     (7) If the affected school districts cannot come to agreement about the proposed transfer of territory, and the districts do not request the services of a mediator or the mediator was unable to bring the districts to agreement, either district may file with the educational service district superintendent a written request for a hearing by the regional committee.
     (8) If the affected school districts cannot come to agreement about the proposed transfer of territory initiated by citizen petition, and the districts do not request the services of a mediator or the mediator was unable to bring the districts to agreement, the district in which the citizens who filed the petition reside shall file with the educational service district superintendent a written request for a hearing by the regional committee, unless a majority of the citizen petitioners request otherwise.
     (9) Upon receipt of a notice under subsection (7) or (8) of this section, the educational service district superintendent shall notify the chair of the regional committee in writing within ten days.
     (10) Costs incurred by school districts under this section shall be reimbursed by the state from such funds as are appropriated for this purpose.

Sec. 503   RCW 28A.315.205 and 2003 c 413 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The chair of the regional committee shall schedule a hearing on the proposed transfer of territory at a location in the educational service district within sixty calendar days of being notified under RCW 28A.315.195 (7) or (8).
     (2) Within thirty calendar days of the hearing under subsection (1) of this section, or final hearing if more than one is held by the committee, the committee shall issue its written findings and decision to approve or disapprove the proposed transfer of territory. The educational service district superintendent shall transmit a copy of the committee's decision to the superintendents of the affected school districts within ten calendar days.
     (3) In carrying out the purposes of RCW 28A.315.015 and in making decisions as authorized under RCW 28A.315.095(1), the regional committee shall base its judgment upon whether and to the extent the proposed change in school district organization complies with RCW 28A.315.015(2) and rules adopted by the ((state board)) superintendent of public instruction under chapter 34.05 RCW.
     (4) ((State board)) The rules under subsection (3) of this section shall provide for giving consideration to all of the following:
     (a) Student educational opportunities as measured by the percentage of students performing at each level of the statewide mandated assessments and data regarding student attendance, graduation, and dropout rates;
     (b) The safety and welfare of pupils. For the purposes of this subsection, "safety" means freedom or protection from danger, injury, or damage and "welfare" means a positive condition or influence regarding health, character, and well-being;
     (c) The history and relationship of the property affected to the students and communities affected, including, for example, inclusion within a single school district, for school attendance and corresponding tax support purposes, of entire master planned communities that were or are to be developed pursuant to an integrated commercial and residential development plan with over one thousand dwelling units;
     (d) Whether or not geographic accessibility warrants a favorable consideration of a recommended change in school district organization, including remoteness or isolation of places of residence and time required to travel to and from school; and
     (e) All funding sources of the affected districts, equalization among school districts of the tax burden for general fund and capital purposes through a reduction in disparities in per pupil valuation when all funding sources are considered, improvement in the economies in the administration and operation of schools, and the extent the proposed change would potentially reduce or increase the individual and aggregate transportation costs of the affected school districts.
     (5)(a)(i) A petitioner or school district may appeal a decision by the regional committee to the ((state board)) superintendent of public instruction based on the claim that the regional committee failed to follow the applicable statutory and regulatory procedures or acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner. Any such appeal shall be based on the record and the appeal must be filed within thirty days of the final decision of the regional committee. The appeal shall be heard and determined by an administrative law judge in the office of administrative hearings, based on the standards in (a)(ii) of this subsection.
     (ii) If the ((state board)) administrative law judge finds that all applicable procedures were not followed or that the regional committee acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner, ((it)) the administrative law judge shall refer the matter back to the regional committee with an explanation of ((the board's)) his or her findings. The regional committee shall rehear the proposal.
     (iii) If the ((state board)) administrative law judge finds that all applicable procedures were followed or that the regional committee did not act in an arbitrary and capricious manner, depending on the appeal, the educational service district shall be notified and directed to implement the changes.
     (b) Any school district or citizen petitioner affected by a final decision of the regional committee may seek judicial review of the committee's decision in accordance with RCW 34.05.570.

Sec. 504   RCW 28A.315.015 and 1999 c 315 s 101 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) It is the purpose of this chapter to:
     (a) Incorporate into a single, comprehensive, school district organization law all essential provisions governing:
     (i) The formation and establishment of new school districts;
     (ii) The alteration of the boundaries of existing districts; and
     (iii) The adjustment of the assets and liabilities of school districts when changes are made under this chapter; and
     (b) Establish methods and procedures whereby changes in the school district system may be brought about by the people concerned and affected.
     (2) It is the state's policy that decisions on proposed changes in school district organization should be made, whenever possible, by negotiated agreement between the affected school districts. If the districts cannot agree, the decision shall be made by the regional committees on school district organization, based on the committees' best judgment, taking into consideration the following factors and factors under RCW 28A.315.205:
     (a) A balance of local petition requests and the needs of the statewide community at large in a manner that advances the best interest of public education in the affected school districts and communities, the educational service district, and the state;
     (b) Responsibly serving all of the affected citizens and students by contributing to logical service boundaries and recognizing a changing economic pattern within the educational service districts of the state;
     (c) Enhancing the educational opportunities of pupils in the territory by reducing existing disparities among the affected school districts' ability to provide operating and capital funds through an equitable adjustment of the assets and liabilities of the affected districts;
     (d) Promoting a wiser use of public funds through improvement in the school district system of the educational service districts and the state; and
     (e) Other criteria or considerations as may be established in rule by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction.
     (3) It is neither the intent nor purpose of this chapter to apply to organizational changes and the procedure therefor relating to capital fund aid by nonhigh school districts as provided for in chapter 28A.540 RCW.

Sec. 505   RCW 28A.315.025 and 1990 c 33 s 293 are each amended to read as follows:
     As used in this chapter:
     (1) "Change in the organization and extent of school districts" means the formation and establishment of new school districts, the dissolution of existing school districts, the alteration of the boundaries of existing school districts, or all of them.
     (2) "Regional committee" means the regional committee on school district organization created by this chapter.
     (3) (("State board" means the state board of education.
     (4)
)) "School district" means the territory under the jurisdiction of a single governing board designated and referred to as the board of directors.
     (((5))) (4) "Educational service district superintendent" means the educational service district superintendent as provided for in RCW 28A.310.170 or his or her designee.

Sec. 506   RCW 28A.315.055 and 1999 c 315 s 203 are each amended to read as follows:
     In case the boundaries of any of the school districts are conflicting or incorrectly described, the educational service district board of directors, after due notice and a public hearing, shall change, harmonize, and describe them and shall so certify, with a complete transcript of boundaries of all districts affected, such action to the ((state board)) superintendent of public instruction for ((its)) approval or revision. Upon receipt of notification of ((state board)) action by the superintendent of public instruction, the educational service district superintendent shall transmit to the county legislative authority of the county or counties in which the affected districts are located a complete transcript of the boundaries of all districts affected.

Sec. 507   RCW 28A.315.085 and 2005 c 497 s 405 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The superintendent of public instruction shall furnish ((to the state board and)) to regional committees the services of employed personnel and the materials and supplies necessary to enable them to perform the duties imposed upon them by this chapter ((and)). Members shall be reimbursed ((the members thereof)) for expenses necessarily incurred by them in the performance of their duties((, such reimbursement for regional committee members to be)) in accordance with RCW 28A.315.155((, and such reimbursement for state board members to be in accordance with RCW 28A.305.011)).
     (2) Costs that may be incurred by an educational service district in association with school district negotiations under RCW 28A.315.195 and supporting the regional committee under RCW 28A.315.205 shall be reimbursed by the state from such funds as are appropriated for these purposes.

Sec. 508   RCW 28A.315.125 and 1993 c 416 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     The members of each regional committee shall be elected in the following manner:
     (1) On or before the 25th day of September, 1994, and not later than the 25th day of September of every subsequent even-numbered year, each superintendent of an educational service district shall call an election to be held in each educational service district within which resides a member of a regional committee whose term of office expires on the second Monday of January next following, and shall give written notice thereof to each member of the board of directors of each school district in the educational service district. Such notice shall include instructions, and the rules ((and regulations)) established by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction for the conduct of the election. The ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction is ((hereby)) empowered to adopt rules pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW which establish standards and procedures which the ((state board)) superintendent deems necessary to conduct elections pursuant to this section; to conduct run-off elections in the event an election for a position is indecisive; and to decide run-off elections which result in tie votes, in a fair and orderly manner.
     (2) Candidates for membership on a regional committee shall file a declaration of candidacy with the superintendent of the educational service district wherein they reside. Declarations of candidacy may be filed by person or by mail not earlier than the 1st day of October, and not later than the 15th day of October of each even-numbered year. The superintendent may not accept any declaration of candidacy that is not on file in his or her office or not postmarked before the 16th day of October, or if not postmarked or the postmark is not legible, if received by mail after the 20th day of October of each even-numbered year.
     (3) Each member of the regional committee shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast for all candidates for the position by the members of the boards of directors of school districts in the educational service district. All votes shall be cast by mail ballot addressed to the superintendent of the educational service district wherein the school director resides. No votes shall be accepted for counting if postmarked after the 16th day of November or if not postmarked or the postmark is not legible, if received by mail after the 21st day of November of each even-numbered year. An election board comprised of three persons appointed by the board of the educational service district shall count and tally the votes not later than the 25th day of November or the next business day if the 25th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday of each even-numbered year. Each vote cast by a school director shall be recorded as one vote. Within ten days following the count of votes, the educational service district superintendent shall certify to the superintendent of public instruction the name or names of the person(s) elected to be members of the regional committee.
     (4) In the event of a change in the number of educational service districts or in the number of educational service district board members pursuant to chapter 28A.310 RCW a new regional committee shall be elected for each affected educational service district at the next election conducted pursuant to this section. Those persons who were serving on a regional committee within an educational service district affected by a change in the number of districts or board members shall continue to constitute the regional committee for the educational service district within which they are registered to vote until the majority of a new board has been elected and certified.
     (5) No member of a regional committee shall continue to serve thereon if he or she ceases to be a registered voter of the educational service district board member district or if he or she is absent from three consecutive meetings of the committee without an excuse acceptable to the committee.

Sec. 509   RCW 28A.315.185 and 1999 c 315 s 303 are each amended to read as follows:
     To the extent funds are appropriated, the superintendent of public instruction, in cooperation with the educational service districts and the Washington state school directors' association, shall conduct an annual training meeting for the regional committees, ((state board members,)) educational service district superintendents, and local school district superintendents and boards of directors. Training may also be provided upon request.

PART 6
EDUCATIONAL SERVICE DISTRICTS

Sec. 601   RCW 28A.305.210 and 2005 c 518 s 913 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) ((The state board of education, by rule or regulation, may require the assistance of educational service district boards and/or superintendents in the performance of any duty, authority, or power imposed upon or granted to the state board of education by law, upon such terms and conditions as the state board of education shall establish. Such authority to assist the state board of education shall be limited to the service function of information collection and dissemination and the attestment to the accuracy and completeness of submitted information.
     (2)
)) During the 2005-2007 biennium, educational service districts may, at the request of the state board of education, receive and screen applications for school accreditation, conduct school accreditation site visits pursuant to state board of education rules, and submit to the state board of education postsite visit recommendations for school accreditation. The educational service districts may assess a cooperative service fee to recover actual plus reasonable indirect costs for the purposes of this subsection.
     (2) This section expires July 1, 2007.

Sec. 602   RCW 28A.310.080 and 1977 ex.s. c 283 s 15 are each amended to read as follows:
     ((On or before the twenty-fifth day of August, 1978, and)) Not later than the twenty-fifth day of August of every ((subsequent)) even-numbered year, the ((secretary to the state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction shall call an election to be held in each educational service district within which resides a member of the board of the educational service district whose term of office expires on the second Monday of January next following, and shall give written notice thereof to each member of the board of directors of each school district in such educational service district. Such notice shall include instructions((,)) and rules((, and regulations)) established by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction for the conduct of the election.

Sec. 603   RCW 28A.310.030 and 1990 c 33 s 271 are each amended to read as follows:
     Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, in each educational service district there shall be an educational service district board consisting of seven members elected by the school directors of the educational service district, one from each of seven educational service district board-member districts. Board-member districts in districts reorganized under RCW 28A.310.020, or as provided for in RCW 28A.310.120 and under this section, shall be initially determined by the state board of education. If a reorganization pursuant to RCW 28A.310.020 places the residence of a board member into another or newly created educational service district, such member shall serve on the board of the educational service district of residence and at the next election called by the ((secretary to the state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction pursuant to RCW 28A.310.080 a new seven member board shall be elected. If the redrawing of board-member district boundaries pursuant to this chapter shall cause the resident board-member district of two or more board members to coincide, such board members shall continue to serve on the board and at the next election called by the ((secretary to the state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction a new board shall be elected. The board-member districts shall be arranged so far as practicable on a basis of equal population, with consideration being given existing board members of existing educational service district boards. Each educational service district board member shall be elected by the school directors of each school district within the educational service district. Beginning in 1971 and every ten years thereafter, educational service district boards shall review and, if necessary, shall change the boundaries of board-member districts so as to provide so far as practicable equal representation according to population of such board-member districts and to conform to school district boundary changes: PROVIDED, That all board-member district boundaries, to the extent necessary to conform with this chapter, shall be immediately redrawn for the purposes of the next election called by the ((secretary to the state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction following any reorganization pursuant to this chapter. Such district board, if failing to make the necessary changes prior to June 1st of the appropriate year, shall refer for settlement questions on board-member district boundaries to the ((state board of education)) office of the superintendent of public instruction, which, after a public hearing, shall decide such questions.

Sec. 604   RCW 28A.310.050 and 1977 ex.s. c 283 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:
     Any educational service district board may elect by resolution of the board to increase the board member size to nine board members. In such case positions number eight and nine shall be filled at the next election called by the ((secretary to the state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, position numbered eight to be for a term of two years, position numbered nine to be for a term of four years. Thereafter the terms for such positions shall be for four years.

Sec. 605   RCW 28A.310.060 and 1977 ex.s. c 283 s 20 are each amended to read as follows:
     The term of every educational service district board member shall begin on the second Monday in January next following the election at which he or she was elected: PROVIDED, That a person elected to less than a full term pursuant to this section shall take office as soon as the election returns have been certified and he or she has qualified. In the event of a vacancy in the board from any cause, such vacancy shall be filled by appointment of a person from the same board-member district by the educational service district board. In the event that there are more than three vacancies in a seven-member board or four vacancies in a nine-member board, the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction shall fill by appointment sufficient vacancies so that there shall be a quorum of the board serving. Each appointed board member shall serve until his or her successor has been elected at the next election called by the ((secretary to the state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction and has qualified.

Sec. 606   RCW 28A.310.090 and 1977 ex.s. c 283 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:
     Candidates for membership on an educational service district board shall file declarations of candidacy with the ((secretary to the state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction on forms prepared by the ((secretary)) superintendent. Declarations of candidacy may be filed by person or by mail not earlier than the first day of September, nor later than the sixteenth day of September. The ((secretary to the state board of education)) superintendent may not accept any declaration of candidacy that is not on file in his or her office or is not postmarked before the seventeenth day of September.

Sec. 607   RCW 28A.310.100 and 1980 c 179 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     Each member of an educational service district board shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast at the election for all candidates for the position. All votes shall be cast by mail addressed to the ((secretary to the state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction and no votes shall be accepted for counting if postmarked after the sixteenth day of October or if not postmarked or the postmark is not legible, if received by mail after the twenty-first day of October following the call of the election. The ((secretary to the state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction and an election board comprised of three persons appointed by the ((state board of education)) superintendent shall count and tally the votes not later than the twenty-fifth day of October in the following manner: Each vote cast by a school director shall be accorded as one vote. If no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast, then, not later than the first day of November, the ((secretary to the state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction shall call a second election to be conducted in the same manner and at which the candidates shall be the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes cast. No vote cast at such second election shall be received for counting if postmarked after the sixteenth day of November or if not postmarked or the postmark is not legible, if received by mail after the twenty-first day of November and the votes shall be counted as hereinabove provided on the twenty-fifth day of November. The candidate receiving a majority of votes at any such second election shall be declared elected. In the event of a tie in such second election, the candidate elected shall be determined by a chance drawing of a nature established by the ((secretary to the state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction. Within ten days following the count of votes in an election at which a member of an educational service district board is elected, the ((secretary to the state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction shall certify to the county auditor of the headquarters county of the educational service district the name or names of the persons elected to be members of the educational service district board.

Sec. 608   RCW 28A.310.140 and 1990 c 33 s 274 are each amended to read as follows:
     Every school district must be included entirely within a single educational service district. If the boundaries of any school district within an educational service district are changed in any manner so as to extend the school district beyond the boundaries of that educational service district, the ((state board)) superintendent of public instruction shall change the boundaries of the educational service districts so affected in a manner consistent with the purposes of RCW 28A.310.010 and this section.

Sec. 609   RCW 28A.310.150 and 1990 c 33 s 275 are each amended to read as follows:
     Every candidate for membership on a educational service district board shall be a registered voter and a resident of the board-member district for which such candidate files. On or before the date for taking office, every member shall make an oath or affirmation to support the Constitution of the United States and the state of Washington and to faithfully discharge the duties of the office according to the best of such member's ability. The members of the board shall not be required to give bond unless so directed by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction. At the first meeting of newly elected members and after the qualification for office of the newly elected members, each educational service district board shall reorganize by electing a chair and a vice chair. A majority of all of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum.

Sec. 610   RCW 28A.310.200 and 2001 c 143 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     In addition to other powers and duties as provided by law, every educational service district board shall:
     (1) Approve the budgets of the educational service district in accordance with the procedures provided for in this chapter((.));
     (2) Meet regularly according to the schedule adopted at the organization meeting and in special session upon the call of the chair or a majority of the board((.));
     (3) Approve the selection of educational service district personnel and clerical staff as provided in RCW 28A.310.230((.));
     (4) Fix the amount of and approve the bonds for those educational service district employees designated by the board as being in need of bonding((.));
     (5) Keep in the educational service district office a full and correct transcript of the boundaries of each school district within the educational service district((.));
     (6) Acquire by borrowing funds or by purchase, lease, devise, bequest, and gift and otherwise contract for real and personal property necessary for the operation of the educational service district and to the execution of the duties of the board and superintendent thereof and sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of that property not necessary for district purposes. No real property shall be acquired or alienated without the prior approval of the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction and the acquisition or alienation of all such property shall be subject to such provisions as the ((board)) superintendent may establish. When borrowing funds for the purpose of acquiring property, the educational service district board shall pledge as collateral the property to be acquired. Borrowing shall be evidenced by a note or other instrument between the district and the lender((.));
     (7) Under RCW 28A.310.010, upon the written request of the board of directors of a local school district or districts served by the educational service district, the educational service district board of directors may provide cooperative and informational services not in conflict with other law that provide for the development and implementation of programs, activities, services, or practices that support the education of preschool through twelfth grade students in the public schools or that support the effective, efficient, or safe management and operation of the school district or districts served by the educational service district((.));
     (8) Adopt such bylaws and rules ((and regulations)) for its own operation as it deems necessary or appropriate((.)); and
     (9) Enter into contracts, including contracts with common and educational service districts and the school for the deaf and the school for the blind for the joint financing of cooperative service programs conducted pursuant to RCW 28A.310.180(3), and employ consultants and legal counsel relating to any of the duties, functions, and powers of the educational service districts.

Sec. 611   RCW 28A.310.310 and 1990 c 33 s 284 are each amended to read as follows:
     The educational service district board shall designate the headquarters office of the educational service district. Educational service districts shall provide for their own office space, heating, contents insurance, electricity, and custodial services, which may be obtained through contracting with any board of county commissioners. Official records of the educational service district board and superintendent, including each of the county superintendents abolished by chapter 176, Laws of 1969 ex. sess., shall be kept by the educational service district superintendent. Whenever the boundaries of any of the educational service districts are reorganized pursuant to RCW 28A.310.020, the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction shall supervise the transferral of such records so that each educational service district superintendent shall receive those records relating to school districts within the appropriate educational service district.

Sec. 612   RCW 28A.323.020 and 1985 c 385 s 25 are each amended to read as follows:
     The duties in this chapter imposed upon and required to be performed by a regional committee and by an educational service district superintendent in connection with a change in the organization and extent of school districts and/or with the adjustment of the assets and liabilities of school districts and with all matters related to such change or adjustment whenever territory lying in a single educational service district is involved shall be performed jointly by the regional committees and by the superintendents of the several educational service districts as required whenever territory lying in more than one educational service district is involved in a proposed change in the organization and extent of school districts: PROVIDED, That a regional committee may designate three of its members, or two of its members and the educational service district superintendent, as a subcommittee to serve in lieu of the whole committee, but action by a subcommittee shall not be binding unless approved by a majority of the regional committee. Proposals for changes in the organization and extent of school districts and proposed terms of adjustment of assets and liabilities thus prepared and approved shall be submitted to the ((state board)) superintendent of public instruction by the regional committee of the educational service district in which is located the part of the proposed or enlarged district having the largest number of common school pupils residing therein.

Sec. 613   RCW 28A.323.040 and 1973 c 47 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     For all purposes essential to the maintenance, operation, and administration of the schools of a district, including the apportionment of current state and county school funds, the county in which a joint school district shall be considered as belonging shall be as designated by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction. Prior to making such designation, the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction shall hold at least one public hearing on the matter, at which time the recommendation of the joint school district shall be presented and, in addition to such recommendation, the ((state board)) superintendent shall consider the following prior to its designation:
     (1) Service needs of such district;
     (2) Availability of services;
     (3) Geographic location of district and servicing agencies; and
     (4) Relationship to contiguous school districts.

PART 7
STUDENTS

Sec. 701   RCW 28A.305.160 and 1996 c 321 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction shall adopt and distribute to all school districts lawful and reasonable rules prescribing the substantive and procedural due process guarantees of pupils in the common schools. Such rules shall authorize a school district to use informal due process procedures in connection with the short-term suspension of students to the extent constitutionally permissible: PROVIDED, That the ((state board)) superintendent of public instruction deems the interest of students to be adequately protected. When a student suspension or expulsion is appealed, the rules shall authorize a school district to impose the suspension or expulsion temporarily after an initial hearing for no more than ten consecutive school days or until the appeal is decided, whichever is earlier. Any days that the student is temporarily suspended or expelled before the appeal is decided shall be applied to the term of the student suspension or expulsion and shall not limit or extend the term of the student suspension or expulsion.
     (2) Short-term suspension procedures may be used for suspensions of students up to and including, ten consecutive school days.

Sec. 702   RCW 28A.150.300 and 1993 c 68 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The use of corporal punishment in the common schools is prohibited. The ((state board of education, in consultation with the)) superintendent of public instruction((,)) shall develop and adopt a policy prohibiting the use of corporal punishment in the common schools. The policy shall be adopted ((by the state board of education no later than February 1, 1994,)) and ((shall take effect)) implemented in all school districts ((September 1, 1994)).

Sec. 703   RCW 28A.225.160 and 1999 c 348 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     Except as otherwise provided by law, it is the general policy of the state that the common schools shall be open to the admission of all persons who are five years of age and less than twenty-one years residing in that school district. Except as otherwise provided by law or rules adopted by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction, districts may establish uniform entry qualifications, including but not limited to birth date requirements, for admission to kindergarten and first grade programs of the common schools. Such rules may provide for exceptions based upon the ability, or the need, or both, of an individual student. For the purpose of complying with any rule adopted by the ((state board of education which)) superintendent of public instruction that authorizes a preadmission screening process as a prerequisite to granting exceptions to the uniform entry qualifications, a school district may collect fees to cover expenses incurred in the administration of any preadmission screening process: PROVIDED, That in so establishing such fee or fees, the district shall adopt regulations for waiving and reducing such fees in the cases of those persons whose families, by reason of their low income, would have difficulty in paying the entire amount of such fees.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 704   A new section is added to chapter 28A.300 RCW to read as follows:
     The superintendent of public instruction shall adopt rules relating to pupil tests and records.

Sec. 705   RCW 28A.300.150 and 1994 c 245 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     The superintendent of public instruction shall collect and disseminate to school districts information on child abuse and neglect prevention curriculum and shall adopt rules dealing with the prevention of child abuse for purposes of curriculum use in the common schools. The superintendent of public instruction and the departments of social and health services and community, trade, and economic development shall share relevant information.

Sec. 706   RCW 28A.600.020 and 1997 c 266 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The rules adopted pursuant to RCW 28A.600.010 shall be interpreted to ((insure)) ensure that the optimum learning atmosphere of the classroom is maintained, and that the highest consideration is given to the judgment of qualified certificated educators regarding conditions necessary to maintain the optimum learning atmosphere.
     (2) Any student who creates a disruption of the educational process in violation of the building disciplinary standards while under a teacher's immediate supervision may be excluded by the teacher from his or her individual classroom and instructional or activity area for all or any portion of the balance of the school day, or up to the following two days, or until the principal or designee and teacher have conferred, whichever occurs first. Except in emergency circumstances, the teacher first must attempt one or more alternative forms of corrective action. In no event without the consent of the teacher may an excluded student return to the class during the balance of that class or activity period or up to the following two days, or until the principal or his or her designee and the teacher have conferred.
     (3) In order to preserve a beneficial learning environment for all students and to maintain good order and discipline in each classroom, every school district board of directors shall provide that written procedures are developed for administering discipline at each school within the district. Such procedures shall be developed with the participation of parents and the community, and shall provide that the teacher, principal or designee, and other authorities designated by the board of directors, make every reasonable attempt to involve the parent or guardian and the student in the resolution of student discipline problems. Such procedures shall provide that students may be excluded from their individual classes or activities for periods of time in excess of that provided in subsection (2) of this section if such students have repeatedly disrupted the learning of other students. The procedures must be consistent with the rules of the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction and must provide for early involvement of parents in attempts to improve the student's behavior.
     (4) The procedures shall assure, pursuant to RCW 28A.400.110, that all staff work cooperatively toward consistent enforcement of proper student behavior throughout each school as well as within each classroom.
     (5) A principal shall consider imposing long-term suspension or expulsion as a sanction when deciding the appropriate disciplinary action for a student who, after July 27, 1997:
     (a) Engages in two or more violations within a three-year period of RCW 9A.46.120, 28A.320.135, 28A.600.455, 28A.600.460, 28A.635.020, 28A.600.020, 28A.635.060, 9.41.280, or 28A.320.140; or
     (b) Engages in one or more of the offenses listed in RCW 13.04.155.
     The principal shall communicate the disciplinary action taken by the principal to the school personnel who referred the student to the principal for disciplinary action.

Sec. 707   RCW 28A.600.030 and 1990 c 33 s 498 are each amended to read as follows:
     Each school district board of directors may establish student grading policies which permit teachers to consider a student's attendance in determining the student's overall grade or deciding whether the student should be granted or denied credit. Such policies shall take into consideration the circumstances pertaining to the student's inability to attend school. However, no policy shall be adopted whereby a grade shall be reduced or credit shall be denied for disciplinary reasons only, rather than for academic reasons, unless due process of law is provided as set forth by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction under RCW 28A.305.160 (as recodified by this act).

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 708   RCW 28A.305.160 is recodified as a new section in chapter 28A.600 RCW.

PART 8
TRANSFER OF PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR STANDARDS BOARD DUTIES

Sec. 801   RCW 28A.625.360 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 10 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board shall establish an annual award program for excellence in teacher preparation to recognize higher education teacher educators for their leadership, contributions, and commitment to education.
     (2) The program shall recognize annually one teacher preparation faculty member from one of the teacher preparation programs approved by the ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board.

Sec. 802   RCW 28A.225.330 and 1999 c 198 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) When enrolling a student who has attended school in another school district, the school enrolling the student may request the parent and the student to briefly indicate in writing whether or not the student has:
     (a) Any history of placement in special educational programs;
     (b) Any past, current, or pending disciplinary action;
     (c) Any history of violent behavior, or behavior listed in RCW 13.04.155;
     (d) Any unpaid fines or fees imposed by other schools; and
     (e) Any health conditions affecting the student's educational needs.
     (2) The school enrolling the student shall request the school the student previously attended to send the student's permanent record including records of disciplinary action, history of violent behavior or behavior listed in RCW 13.04.155, attendance, immunization records, and academic performance. If the student has not paid a fine or fee under RCW 28A.635.060, or tuition, fees, or fines at approved private schools the school may withhold the student's official transcript, but shall transmit information about the student's academic performance, special placement, immunization records, records of disciplinary action, and history of violent behavior or behavior listed in RCW 13.04.155. If the official transcript is not sent due to unpaid tuition, fees, or fines, the enrolling school shall notify both the student and parent or guardian that the official transcript will not be sent until the obligation is met, and failure to have an official transcript may result in exclusion from extracurricular activities or failure to graduate.
     (3) If information is requested under subsection (2) of this section, the information shall be transmitted within two school days after receiving the request and the records shall be sent as soon as possible. Any school district or district employee who releases the information in compliance with this section is immune from civil liability for damages unless it is shown that the school district employee acted with gross negligence or in bad faith. The ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board shall provide by rule for the discipline under chapter 28A.410 RCW of a school principal or other chief administrator of a public school building who fails to make a good faith effort to assure compliance with this subsection.
     (4) Any school district or district employee who releases the information in compliance with federal and state law is immune from civil liability for damages unless it is shown that the school district or district employee acted with gross negligence or in bad faith.
     (5) When a school receives information under this section or RCW 13.40.215 that a student has a history of disciplinary actions, criminal or violent behavior, or other behavior that indicates the student could be a threat to the safety of educational staff or other students, the school shall provide this information to the student's teachers and security personnel.

Sec. 803   RCW 28A.405.110 and 1985 c 420 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The legislature recognizes the importance of teachers in the educational system. Teachers are the fundamental element in assuring a quality education for the state's and the nation's children. Teachers, through their direct contact with children, have a great impact on the development of the child. The legislature finds that this important role of the teacher requires an assurance that teachers are as successful as possible in attaining the goal of a well-educated society. The legislature finds, therefore, that the evaluation of those persons seeking to enter the teaching profession is no less important than the evaluation of those persons currently teaching. The evaluation of persons seeking teaching credentials should be strenuous while making accommodations uniquely appropriate to the applicants. Strenuous teacher training and preparation should be complemented by examinations of prospective teachers prior to candidates being granted official certification by the ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board. Teacher preparation program entrance evaluations, teacher training, teacher preparation program exit examinations, official certification, in-service training, and ongoing evaluations of individual progress and professional growth are all part of developing and maintaining a strong precertification and postcertification professional education system.
     The legislature further finds that an evaluation system for teachers has the following elements, goals, and objectives: (1) An evaluation system must be meaningful, helpful, and objective; (2) an evaluation system must encourage improvements in teaching skills, techniques, and abilities by identifying areas needing improvement; (3) an evaluation system must provide a mechanism to make meaningful distinctions among teachers and to acknowledge, recognize, and encourage superior teaching performance; and (4) an evaluation system must encourage respect in the evaluation process by the persons conducting the evaluations and the persons subject to the evaluations through recognizing the importance of objective standards and minimizing subjectivity.

Sec. 804   RCW 28A.415.010 and 1991 c 285 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     It shall be the responsibility of each educational service district board to establish a center for the improvement of teaching. The center shall administer, coordinate, and act as fiscal agent for such programs related to the recruitment and training of certificated and classified K-12 education personnel as may be delegated to the center by the superintendent of public instruction under RCW 28A.310.470((, or the state board of education under RCW 28A.310.480)). To assist in these activities, each educational service district board shall establish an improvement of teaching coordinating council to include, at a minimum, representatives as specified in RCW 28A.415.040. An existing in-service training task force, established pursuant to RCW 28A.415.040, may serve as the improvement of teaching coordinating council. The educational service district board shall ensure coordination of programs established pursuant to RCW 28A.415.030, 28A.410.060, and 28A.415.250.
     The educational service district board may arrange each year for the holding of one or more teachers' institutes and/or workshops for professional staff preparation and in-service training in such manner and at such time as the board believes will be of benefit to the teachers and other professional staff of school districts within the educational service district and shall comply with rules ((and regulations of the state board of education)) of the professional educator standards board pursuant to RCW 28A.410.060 or the superintendent of public instruction ((or state board of education)) pursuant to RCW 28A.415.250. The board may provide such additional means of teacher and other professional staff preparation and in-service training as it may deem necessary or appropriate and there shall be a proper charge against the educational service district general expense fund when approved by the educational service district board.
     Educational service district boards of contiguous educational service districts, by mutual arrangements, may hold joint institutes and/or workshops, the expenses to be shared in proportion to the numbers of certificated personnel as shown by the last annual reports of the educational service districts holding such joint institutes or workshops.
     In local school districts employing more than one hundred teachers and other professional staff, the school district superintendent may hold a teachers' institute of one or more days in such district, said institute when so held by the school district superintendent to be in all respects governed by the provisions of this title and ((state board of education)) rules ((and regulations)) relating to teachers' institutes held by educational service district superintendents.

Sec. 805   RCW 28A.415.020 and 1995 c 284 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Certificated personnel shall receive for each ten clock hours of approved in-service training attended the equivalent of a one credit college quarter course on the salary schedule developed by the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee.
     (2) Certificated personnel shall receive for each ten clock hours of approved continuing education earned, as continuing education is defined by rule adopted by the ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board, the equivalent of a one credit college quarter course on the salary schedule developed by the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee.
     (3) Certificated personnel shall receive for each forty clock hours of participation in an approved internship with a business, an industry, or government, as an internship is defined by rule of the ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board in accordance with RCW 28A.415.025, the equivalent of a one credit college quarter course on the salary schedule developed by the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee.
     (4) An approved in-service training program shall be a program approved by a school district board of directors, which meet standards adopted by the ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board, and the development of said program has been participated in by an in-service training task force whose membership is the same as provided under RCW 28A.415.040, or a program offered by an education agency approved to provide in-service for the purposes of continuing education as provided for under rules adopted by the ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board, or both.
     (5) Clock hours eligible for application to the salary schedule developed by the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee as described in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, shall be those hours acquired after August 31, 1987. Clock hours eligible for application to the salary schedule as described in subsection (3) of this section shall be those hours acquired after December 31, 1995.

Sec. 806   RCW 28A.415.024 and 2005 c 461 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) All credits earned in furtherance of degrees earned by certificated staff, that are used to increase earnings on the salary schedule consistent with RCW 28A.415.023, must be obtained from an educational institution accredited by an accrediting association recognized by rule of the ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board.
     (2) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall verify for school districts the accreditation status of educational institutions granting degrees that are used by certificated staff to increase earnings on the salary schedule consistent with RCW 28A.415.023.
     (3) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall provide school districts with training and additional resources to ensure they can verify that degrees earned by certificated staff, that are used to increase earnings on the salary schedule consistent with RCW 28A.415.023, are obtained from an educational institution accredited by an accrediting association recognized by rule of the ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board.
     (4)(a) No school district may submit degree information before there has been verification of accreditation under subsection (3) of this section.
     (b) Certificated staff who submit degrees received from an unaccredited educational institution for the purposes of receiving a salary increase shall be fined three hundred dollars. The fine shall be paid to the office of the superintendent of public instruction and used for costs of administering this section.
     (c) In addition to the fine in (b) of this subsection, certificated staff who receive salary increases based upon degrees earned from educational institutions that have been verified to be unaccredited must reimburse the district for any compensation received based on these degrees.

Sec. 807   RCW 28A.415.025 and 1995 c 284 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board shall establish rules for awarding clock hours for participation of certificated personnel in internships with business, industry, or government. To receive clock hours for an internship, the individual must demonstrate that the internship will provide beneficial skills and knowledge in an area directly related to his or her current assignment, or to his or her assignment for the following school year. An individual may not receive more than the equivalent of two college quarter credits for internships during a calendar-year period. The total number of credits for internships that an individual may earn to advance on the salary schedule developed by the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee or its successor agency is limited to the equivalent of fifteen college quarter credits.

Sec. 808   RCW 28A.415.105 and 1995 c 335 s 403 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 28A.415.125 through 28A.415.140.
     (1) "Cooperating organizations" means that at least one school district, one college or university, and one educational service district are involved jointly with the development of a student teaching center.
     (2) "Cooperating teacher" means a teacher who holds a continuing certificate and supervises and coaches a student teacher.
     (3) "Field experience" means opportunities for observation, tutoring, microteaching, extended practicums, and clinical and laboratory experiences which do not fall within the meaning of student teaching.
     (4) "School setting" means a classroom in a public, common school in the state of Washington.
     (5) "Student teacher" means a candidate for initial teacher certification who is in a ((state board of education-approved)) professional educator standards board-approved, or regionally or nationally accredited teacher preparation program in a school setting as part of the field-based component of their preparation program.
     (6) "Student teaching" means the full quarter or semester in a school setting during which the student teacher observes the cooperating teacher, participates in instructional activities, and assumes both part-time and full-time teaching responsibilities under the supervision of the cooperating teacher.
     (7) "Student teaching center" means the program established to provide student teachers in a geographic region of the state with special support and training as part of their teacher preparation program.
     (8) "Supervisor or university supervisor" means the regular or adjunct faculty member, or college or university-approved designee, who assists and supervises the work of cooperating teachers and student teachers.

Sec. 809   RCW 28A.415.125 and 1991 c 258 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board, from appropriated funds, shall establish a network of student teaching centers to support the continuing development of the field-based component of teacher preparation programs. The purpose of the training centers is to:
     (1) Expand opportunities for student teacher placements in school districts statewide, with an emphasis on those populations and locations that are unserved or underserved;
     (2) Provide cooperating teachers for all student teachers during their student internship for up to two academic quarters;
     (3) Enhance the student teaching component of teacher preparation programs, including a placement of student teachers in special education and multi-ethnic school settings; and
     (4) Expand access to each other and opportunities for collaboration in teacher education between colleges and universities and school districts.

Sec. 810   RCW 28A.415.130 and 1991 c 258 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     Funds for the student teaching centers shall be allocated by the superintendent of public instruction among the educational service district regions on the basis of student teaching placements. The fiscal agent for each center shall be either an educational service district or a state institution of higher education. Prospective fiscal agents shall document to the ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board the following information:
     (1) The existing or proposed center was developed jointly through a process including participation by at least one school district, one college or university, and one educational service district;
     (2) Primary administration for each center shall be the responsibility of one or more of the cooperating organizations;
     (3) Assurance that the training center program provides appropriate and necessary training in observation, supervision, and assistance skills and techniques for:
     (a) Cooperating teachers;
     (b) Other school building personnel; and
     (c) School district employees.

Sec. 811   RCW 28A.415.145 and 1991 c 258 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board and the superintendent of public instruction shall adopt rules as necessary under chapter 34.05 RCW to carry out the purposes of RCW 28A.415.100 through 28A.415.140.

Sec. 812   RCW 28A.630.400 and 1995 c 335 s 202 and 1995 c 77 s 27 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     (1) The ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board and the state board for community and technical colleges, in consultation with the superintendent of public instruction, the higher education coordinating board, the state apprenticeship training council, and community colleges, shall adopt rules as necessary under chapter 34.05 RCW to implement the paraeducator associate of arts degree.
     (2) As used in this section, a "paraeducator" is an individual who has completed an associate of arts degree for a paraeducator. The paraeducator may be hired by a school district to assist certificated instructional staff in the direct instruction of children in small and large groups, individualized instruction, testing of children, recordkeeping, and preparation of materials. The paraeducator shall work under the direction of instructional certificated staff.
     (3) The training program for a paraeducator associate of arts degree shall include, but is not limited to, the general requirements for receipt of an associate of arts degree and training in the areas of introduction to childhood education, orientation to children with disabilities, fundamentals of childhood education, creative activities for children, instructional materials for children, fine art experiences for children, the psychology of learning, introduction to education, child health and safety, child development and guidance, first aid, and a practicum in a school setting.
     (4) Consideration shall be given to transferability of credit earned in this program to teacher preparation programs at colleges and universities.

Sec. 813   RCW 28A.660.040 and 2004 c 23 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     Partnership grants funded under this chapter shall operate one to four specific route programs. Successful completion of the program shall make a candidate eligible for residency teacher certification. For route one and two candidates, the mentor of the teacher candidate at the school and the supervisor of the teacher candidate from the higher education teacher preparation program must both agree that the teacher candidate has successfully completed the program. For route three and four candidates, the mentor of the teacher candidate shall make the determination that the candidate has successfully completed the program.
     (1) Partnership grant programs seeking funds to operate route one programs shall enroll currently employed classified instructional employees with transferable associate degrees seeking residency teacher certification with endorsements in special education, bilingual education, or English as a second language. It is anticipated that candidates enrolled in this route will complete both their baccalaureate degree and requirements for residency certification in two years or less, including a mentored internship to be completed in the final year. In addition, partnership programs shall uphold entry requirements for candidates that include:
     (a) District or building validation of qualifications, including three years of successful student interaction and leadership as a classified instructional employee;
     (b) Successful passage of the statewide basic skills exam, when available; and
     (c) Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers.
     (2) Partnership grant programs seeking funds to operate route two programs shall enroll currently employed classified staff with baccalaureate degrees seeking residency teacher certification in subject matter shortage areas and areas with shortages due to geographic location. Candidates enrolled in this route must complete a mentored internship complemented by flexibly scheduled training and coursework offered at a local site, such as a school or educational service district, or online or via video-conference over the K-20 network, in collaboration with the partnership program's higher education partner. In addition, partnership grant programs shall uphold entry requirements for candidates that include:
     (a) District or building validation of qualifications, including three years of successful student interaction and leadership as classified staff;
     (b) A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The individual's college or university grade point average may be considered as a selection factor;
     (c) Successful completion of the content test, once the state content test is available;
     (d) Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers; and
     (e) Successful passage of the statewide basic skills exam, when available.
     (3) Partnership grant programs seeking funds to operate route three programs shall enroll individuals with baccalaureate degrees, who are not employed in the district at the time of application. When selecting candidates for certification through route three, districts shall give priority to individuals who are seeking residency teacher certification in subject matter shortage areas or shortages due to geographic locations. For route three only, the districts may include additional candidates in nonshortage subject areas if the candidates are seeking endorsements with a secondary grade level designation as defined by rule by the ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board. The districts shall disclose to candidates in nonshortage subject areas available information on the demand in those subject areas. Cohorts of candidates for this route shall attend an intensive summer teaching academy, followed by a full year employed by a district in a mentored internship, followed, if necessary, by a second summer teaching academy. In addition, partnership programs shall uphold entry requirements for candidates that include:
     (a) Five years' experience in the work force;
     (b) A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The individual's grade point average may be considered as a selection factor;
     (c) Successful completion of the content test, once the state content test is available;
     (d) External validation of qualifications, including demonstrated successful experience with students or children, such as ((references [reference])) reference letters and letters of support from previous employers;
     (e) Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers; and
     (f) Successful passage of statewide basic skills exams, when available.
     (4) Partnership grant programs seeking funds to operate route four programs shall enroll individuals with baccalaureate degrees, who are employed in the district at the time of application, or who hold conditional teaching certificates or emergency substitute certificates. Cohorts of candidates for this route shall attend an intensive summer teaching academy, followed by a full year employed by a district in a mentored internship. In addition, partnership programs shall uphold entry requirements for candidates that include:
     (a) Five years' experience in the work force;
     (b) A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The individual's grade point average may be considered as a selection factor;
     (c) Successful completion of the content test, once the state content test is available;
     (d) External validation of qualifications, including demonstrated successful experience with students or children, such as reference letters and letters of support from previous employers;
     (e) Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers; and
     (f) Successful passage of statewide basic skills exams, when available.

Sec. 814   RCW 28A.690.020 and 1990 c 33 s 546 are each amended to read as follows:
     The "designated state official" for this state under Article II of RCW 28A.690.010 shall be the superintendent of public instruction, who shall be the compact administrator and who shall have power to ((promulgate)) adopt rules to carry out the terms of this compact. The superintendent of public instruction shall enter into contracts pursuant to Article III of the Agreement only with the approval of the specific text thereof by the ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board.

Sec. 815   RCW 28A.300.050 and 1990 c 33 s 252 are each amended to read as follows:
     The superintendent of public instruction shall provide technical assistance to the ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board in the conduct of the activities described in ((sections 202 through 232 of this act)) RCW 28A.410.040 and 28A.410.050.

Sec. 816   RCW 28A.625.370 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 10 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     The award for the teacher educator shall include:
     (1) A certificate presented to the teacher educator by the governor, the ((president of the state board of education)) chair of the professional educator standards board, and the superintendent of public instruction at a public ceremony; and
     (2) A grant to the professional education advisory board of the institution from which the teacher educator is selected, which grant shall not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars and which grant shall be awarded under RCW 28A.625.390.

Sec. 817   RCW 28A.625.380 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 10 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board shall adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW to carry out the purposes of RCW 28A.625.360 through 28A.625.390. These rules shall include establishing the selection criteria for the Washington award for excellence in teacher preparation. The ((state)) board ((of education)) is encouraged to consult with teacher educators, deans, and professional education advisory board members in developing the selection criteria. The criteria shall include any role performed by nominees relative to implementing innovative developments by the nominee's teacher preparation program and efforts the nominee has made to assist in communicating with legislators, common school teachers and administrators, and others about the nominee's teacher preparation program.

Sec. 818   RCW 28A.625.390 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 10 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     The professional education advisory board for the institution from which the teacher educator has been selected to receive an award shall be eligible to apply for an educational grant as provided under RCW 28A.625.370. The ((state board of education)) professional educator standards board shall award the grant after the ((state)) board has approved the grant application as long as the written grant application is submitted to the ((state)) board within one year after the award is received by the teacher educator. The grant application shall identify the educational purpose toward which the grant shall be used.

PART 9
OTHER DUTIES

Sec. 901   RCW 28A.600.010 and 1997 c 265 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     Every board of directors, unless otherwise specifically provided by law, shall:
     (1) Enforce the rules prescribed by the superintendent of public instruction ((and the state board of education)) for the government of schools, pupils, and certificated employees.
     (2) Adopt and make available to each pupil, teacher and parent in the district reasonable written rules regarding pupil conduct, discipline, and rights, including but not limited to short-term suspensions as referred to in RCW 28A.305.160 (as recodified by this act) and suspensions in excess of ten consecutive days. Such rules shall not be inconsistent with any of the following: Federal statutes and regulations, state statutes, common law, and the rules of the superintendent of public instruction((, and the state board of education)). The board's rules shall include such substantive and procedural due process guarantees as prescribed by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction under RCW 28A.305.160 (as recodified by this act). ((Commencing with the 1976-77 school year,)) When such rules are made available to each pupil, teacher, and parent, they shall be accompanied by a detailed description of rights, responsibilities, and authority of teachers and principals with respect to the discipline of pupils as prescribed by state statutory law, the superintendent of public instruction, ((and state board of education rules)) and the rules ((and regulations)) of the school district.
     For the purposes of this subsection, computation of days included in "short-term" and "long-term" suspensions shall be determined on the basis of consecutive school days.
     (3) Suspend, expel, or discipline pupils in accordance with RCW 28A.305.160 (as recodified by this act).

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 902   A new section is added to chapter 28A.405 RCW to read as follows:
     Each school district board of directors shall adopt a policy regarding the presence at their respective schools of teachers and other certificated personnel before the opening of school in the morning and after the closing of school in the afternoon or evening. The board of directors shall make the policy available to parents and the public through the school district report card and other means of communication.

Sec. 903   RCW 28A.225.280 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 9 s 206 are each amended to read as follows:
     Eligibility of transfer students under RCW 28A.225.220 and 28A.225.225 for participation in extracurricular activities shall be subject to rules adopted by the Washington interscholastic activities association ((as authorized by the state board of education)).

Sec. 904   RCW 28A.600.200 and 1990 c 33 s 502 are each amended to read as follows:
     Each school district board of directors is hereby granted and shall exercise the authority to control, supervise and regulate the conduct of interschool athletic activities and other interschool extracurricular activities of an athletic, cultural, social or recreational nature for students of the district. A board of directors may delegate control, supervision and regulation of any such activity to the Washington interscholastic activities association or any other voluntary nonprofit entity and compensate such entity for services provided, subject to the following conditions:
     (1) ((The voluntary nonprofit entity shall submit an annual report to the state board of education of student appeal determinations, assets, and financial receipts and disbursements at such time and in such detail as the state board shall establish by rule;
     (2)
)) The voluntary nonprofit entity shall not discriminate in connection with employment or membership upon its governing board, or otherwise in connection with any function it performs, on the basis of race, creed, national origin, sex or marital status;
     (((3))) (2) Any rules and policies applied by the voluntary nonprofit entity which govern student participation in any interschool activity shall be written ((and subject to the annual review and approval of the state board of education at such time as it shall establish;
     (4) All amendments and repeals of such rules and policies shall be subject to the review and approval of the state board
)); and
     (((5))) (3) Such rules and policies shall provide for notice of the reasons and a fair opportunity to contest such reasons prior to a final determination to reject a student's request to participate in or to continue in an interschool activity. Any such decision shall be considered a decision of the school district conducting the activity in which the student seeks to participate or was participating and may be appealed pursuant to RCW 28A.645.010 through 28A.645.030.

Sec. 905   RCW 28A.160.210 and 1989 c 178 s 20 are each amended to read as follows:
     In addition to other powers and duties, the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction shall adopt rules ((and regulations)) governing the training and qualifications of school bus drivers. Such rules ((and regulations)) shall be designed to insure that persons will not be employed to operate school buses unless they possess such physical health and driving skills as are necessary to safely operate school buses: PROVIDED, That such rules ((and regulations)) shall insure that school bus drivers are provided a due process hearing before any certification required by such rules ((and regulations)) is cancelled: PROVIDED FURTHER, That such rules ((and regulations)) shall not conflict with the authority of the department of licensing to license school bus drivers in accordance with chapter 46.25 RCW. The ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction may obtain a copy of the driving record, as maintained by the department of licensing, for consideration when evaluating a school bus driver's driving skills.

Sec. 906   RCW 28A.160.100 and 1990 c 33 s 138 are each amended to read as follows:
     In addition to the authority otherwise provided in RCW 28A.160.010 through 28A.160.120 to school districts for the transportation of persons, whether school children, school personnel, or otherwise, any school district authorized to use school buses and drivers hired by the district for the transportation of school children to and from a school activity, along with such school employees as necessary for their supervision, shall, if such school activity be an interscholastic activity, be authorized to transport members of the general public to such event and utilize the school district's buses, transportation equipment and facilities, and employees therefor: PROVIDED, That provision shall be made for the reimbursement and payment to the school district by such members of the general public of not less than the district's actual costs and the reasonable value of the use of the district's buses and facilities provided in connection with such transportation: PROVIDED FURTHER, That wherever private transportation certified or licensed by the utilities and transportation commission or public transportation is reasonably available ((as determined by rule and regulation of the state board of education)), this section shall not apply.

Sec. 907   RCW 28A.210.070 and 1990 c 33 s 191 are each amended to read as follows:
     As used in RCW 28A.210.060 through 28A.210.170:
     (1) "Chief administrator" shall mean the person with the authority and responsibility for the immediate supervision of the operation of a school or day care center as defined in this section or, in the alternative, such other person as may hereafter be designated in writing for the purposes of RCW 28A.210.060 through 28A.210.170 by the statutory or corporate board of directors of the school district, school, or day care center or, if none, such other persons or person with the authority and responsibility for the general supervision of the operation of the school district, school or day care center.
     (2) "Full immunization" shall mean immunization against certain vaccine-preventable diseases in accordance with schedules and with immunizing agents approved by the state board of health.
     (3) "Local health department" shall mean the city, town, county, district or combined city-county health department, board of health, or health officer which provides public health services.
     (4) "School" shall mean and include each building, facility, and location at or within which any or all portions of a preschool, kindergarten and grades one through twelve program of education and related activities are conducted for two or more children by or in behalf of any public school district and by or in behalf of any private school or private institution subject to approval by the state board of education pursuant to RCW 28A.305.130(((6))), 28A.195.010 through 28A.195.050, and 28A.410.120.
     (5) "Day care center" shall mean an agency which regularly provides care for a group of thirteen or more children for periods of less than twenty-four hours and is licensed pursuant to chapter 74.15 RCW.
     (6) "Child" shall mean any person, regardless of age, in attendance at a public or private school or a licensed day care center.

Sec. 908   RCW 28A.210.160 and 1990 c 33 s 199 are each amended to read as follows:
     The state board of ((education)) health shall and is hereby empowered to adopt rules pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW which establish the procedural and substantive due process requirements governing the exclusion of children from public and private schools pursuant to RCW 28A.210.120.

Sec. 909   RCW 28A.335.100 and 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 23 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     Any association established by school districts pursuant to the interlocal cooperation act, chapter 39.34 RCW for the purpose of jointly and cooperatively purchasing school supplies, materials and equipment, if otherwise authorized for school district purposes to purchase personal or real property, is ((hereby)) authorized((, subject to rules and regulations of the state board of education,)) to mortgage, or convey a purchase money security interest in real or personal property of such association of every kind, character or description whatsoever, or any interest in such personal or real property: PROVIDED, That any such association shall be prohibited from causing any creditor of the association to acquire any rights against the property, properties or assets of any of its constituent school districts and any creditor of such association shall be entitled to look for payment of any obligation incurred by such association solely to the assets and properties of such association.

Sec. 910   RCW 28A.335.120 and 2001 c 183 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The board of directors of any school district of this state may:
     (a) Sell for cash, at public or private sale, and convey by deed all interest of the district in or to any of the real property of the district which is no longer required for school purposes; and
     (b) Purchase real property for the purpose of locating thereon and affixing thereto any house or houses and appurtenant buildings removed from school sites owned by the district and sell for cash, at public or private sale, and convey by deed all interest of the district in or to such acquired and improved real property.
     (2) When the board of directors of any school district proposes a sale of school district real property pursuant to this section and the value of the property exceeds seventy thousand dollars, the board shall publish a notice of its intention to sell the property. The notice shall be published at least once each week during two consecutive weeks in a legal newspaper with a general circulation in the area in which the school district is located. The notice shall describe the property to be sold and designate the place where and the day and hour when a hearing will be held. The board shall hold a public hearing upon the proposal to dispose of the school district property at the place and the day and hour fixed in the notice and admit evidence offered for and against the propriety and advisability of the proposed sale.
     (3) The board of directors of any school district desiring to sell surplus real property shall publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the school district. School districts shall not sell the property for at least forty-five days following the publication of the newspaper notice.
     (4) Private schools shall have the same rights as any other person or entity to submit bids for the purchase of surplus real property and to have such bids considered along with all other bids.
     (5) Any sale of school district real property authorized pursuant to this section shall be preceded by a market value appraisal by a professionally designated real estate appraiser as defined in RCW 74.46.020 or a general real estate appraiser certified under chapter 18.140 RCW selected by the board of directors and no sale shall take place if the sale price would be less than ninety percent of the appraisal made by the real estate appraiser: PROVIDED, That if the property has been on the market for one year or more the property may be reappraised and sold for not less than seventy-five percent of the reappraised value with the unanimous consent of the board.
     (6) If in the judgment of the board of directors of any district the sale of real property of the district not needed for school purposes would be facilitated and greater value realized through use of the services of licensed real estate brokers, a contract for such services may be negotiated and concluded: PROVIDED, That the use of a licensed real estate broker will not eliminate the obligation of the board of directors to provide the notice described in this section: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the fee or commissions charged for any broker services shall not exceed seven percent of the resulting sale value for a single parcel: PROVIDED FURTHER, That any professionally designated real estate appraiser as defined in RCW 74.46.020 or a general real estate appraiser certified under chapter 18.140 RCW selected by the board to appraise the market value of a parcel of property to be sold may not be a party to any contract with the school district to sell such parcel of property for a period of three years after the appraisal.
     (7) If in the judgment of the board of directors of any district the sale of real property of the district not needed for school purposes would be facilitated and greater value realized through sale on contract terms, a real estate sales contract may be executed between the district and buyer((: PROVIDED, That the terms and conditions of any such sales contract must comply with rules and regulations of the state board of education, herein authorized, governing school district real property contract sales)).

Sec. 911   RCW 28A.320.240 and 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.58.104 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The purpose of this section is to identify quality criteria for school library media programs that support the student learning goals under RCW 28A.150.210, the essential academic learning requirements under RCW 28A.655.070, and high school graduation requirements adopted under RCW 28A.230.090.
     (2)
Every board of directors shall provide for the operation and stocking of such libraries as the board deems necessary for the proper education of the district's students or as otherwise required by law or rule ((or regulation)) of the superintendent of public instruction ((or the state board of education)).
     (3) "Teacher-librarian" means a certified teacher with a library media endorsement under rules adopted by the professional educator standards board.
     (4) "School-library media program" means a school-based program that is staffed by a certificated teacher-librarian and provides a variety of resources that support student mastery of the essential academic learning requirements in all subject areas and the implementation of the district's school improvement plan.
     (5) The teacher-librarian, through the school-library media program, shall collaborate as an instructional partner to help all students meet the content goals in all subject areas, and assist high school students completing the culminating project and high school and beyond plans required for graduation.

Sec. 912   RCW 28A.155.060 and 1995 c 77 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:
     For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of RCW 28A.155.020 through 28A.155.050, the board of directors of every school district shall be authorized to contract with agencies approved by the ((state board of education)) superintendent of public instruction for operating special education programs for students with disabilities. Approval standards for such agencies shall conform substantially with those promulgated for approval of special education aid programs in the common schools.

Sec. 913   RCW 28A.600.130 and 1995 1st sp.s. c 5 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The higher education coordinating board shall establish a planning committee to develop criteria for screening and selection of the Washington scholars each year in accordance with RCW 28A.600.110(1). It is the intent that these criteria shall emphasize scholastic achievement but not exclude such criteria as leadership ability and community contribution in final selection procedures. The Washington scholars planning committee shall have members from selected state agencies and private organizations having an interest and responsibility in education, including but not limited to, the ((state board of education, the)) office of superintendent of public instruction, the council of presidents, the state board for community and technical colleges, and the Washington friends of higher education.

Sec. 914   RCW 28A.650.015 and 1995 c 335 s 507 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The superintendent of public instruction, to the extent funds are appropriated, shall develop and implement a Washington state K-12 education technology plan. The technology plan shall be updated on at least a biennial basis, shall be developed to coordinate and expand the use of education technology in the common schools of the state. The plan shall be consistent with applicable provisions of chapter 43.105 RCW. The plan, at a minimum, shall address:
     (a) The provision of technical assistance to schools and school districts for the planning, implementation, and training of staff in the use of technology in curricular and administrative functions;
     (b) The continued development of a network to connect school districts, institutions of higher learning, and other sources of on-line information; and
     (c) Methods to equitably increase the use of education technology by students and school personnel throughout the state.
     (2) The superintendent of public instruction shall appoint an educational technology advisory committee to assist in the development and implementation of the technology plan in subsection (1) of this section. The committee shall include, but is not limited to, persons representing: The ((state board of education, the commission on student learning, the)) department of information services, educational service districts, school directors, school administrators, school principals, teachers, classified staff, higher education faculty, parents, students, business, labor, scientists and mathematicians, the higher education coordinating board, the work force training and education coordinating board, and the state library.

PART 10
MISCELLANEOUS

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1001   Part headings used in this act are not any part of the law.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1002   Section 407 of this act takes effect September 1, 2009.

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