SB 6183

HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6183

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 Reported by House Committee On:
Education

Title: An act relating to dissolution of school directors' districts in first-class school districts.

Brief Description: Providing a process for the dissolution of first-class school directors' districts.

Sponsors: Senators Parlette, McAuliffe, Brandland, Tom, King, Hobbs, Holmquist, Kauffman, Weinstein, Eide, Zarelli, Rasmussen, Hewitt, Oemig and Shin.

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.

Background:

Any school district with a student enrollment in its public schools of 2,000 or more is a school district of the first-class. Any other is a school district of the second-class.

Current law provides an election process for a second-class school district, that is divided into director districts, to dissolve director districts and change to a combination of director districts and at-large positions. There is no such process available to first-class school districts.

Summary of Bill:

First-class school districts that are divided into director districts may utilize the same election process currently available to second-class school districts to change to a combination of no fewer than three director districts and no more than two at-large positions. The process requires a resolution adopted by the board of directors or a written petition signed by at least 20 percent of the registered voters of the school district. Upon receipt of such a resolution or petition, the Educational Service District superintendent must form the question to be submitted to the voters and give notice to the county auditor. The county auditor then must call a special election of the voters of the entire school district to approve or reject the proposal.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Currently, second class districts may have at-large directors. This bill will allow first-class districts to do the same.

(Opposed) None.