HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 3097


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed Legislature

Title: An act relating to the authority of the executive director of the state board of education.

Brief Description: Specifying authority of the executive director of the state board of education.

Sponsors: By Representatives Quall, Barlow, Priest and Anderson.

Brief History:

Education: 1/31/08 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/12/08, 97-0.
Passed Senate: 3/4/08, 46-0.
Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Permits the State Board of Education to delegate certain duties to the Executive Director, including the authority to employ necessary personnel and to enter into, amend, and terminate contracts.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Quall, Chair; Barlow, Vice Chair; Priest, Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haigh, Liias, Roach, Santos and Sullivan.

Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).

Background:

The purpose of the 16-member State Board of Education (SBE) is to provide advocacy and strategic oversight of public education, implement an accountability system to improve achievement, and provide leadership. Some of the specific functions of the SBE include establishment of the high school graduation requirements and identification of the scores students must achieve in order to meet the standard on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning.
   
The SBE employs an Executive Director and other staff, all of whom reside in the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for administrative purposes.


Summary of Bill:

The SBE may delegate to the Executive Director duties deemed necessary for business efficiency. Duties which may be delegated include, but are not limited to, employment of necessary personnel and entering into, amending, and terminating contracts.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill would align the duties of the Executive Director of the SBE with the duties of other executive directors. The SBE Executive Director would be permitted to hire employees and enter into contracts.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Quall, prime sponsor; and Edie Harding, State Board of Education.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.