| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Education Committee | |
HB 2125
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.
Brief Description: Providing rental housing for certain certificated and classified public school employees.
Sponsors: Representatives Miloscia, O'Brien, Sells, Skinner, Pedersen, Hankins, Goodman, Darneille, Rolfes, Ericks, Appleton, Santos and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/20/07
Staff: Andrew Colvin (786-7304).
Background:
Some school districts around the country have experienced difficulty attracting and retaining
teachers due to a lack of affordable housing in the area of the district. In response, various
programs have been set up to assist teachers with the cost of housing. Such programs have
included housing subsidies, monthly stipends, and agreements with apartment companies for
discounts in rent.
School districts in Washington are authorized to rent, lease, or allow the occasional use of
surplus real property owned by the district. Moneys derived from such use shall be deposited in
the district's general fund to cover costs associated with the rental, lease, or use of the property,
or in the district's capital projects and/or debt service fund.
Legislation enacted in 2004 allows Shaw Island School District to use money from its capital
budget or general fund to construct teachers' cottages. Upon completion, teachers may rent the
cottages from the district.
Summary of Bill:
School districts are authorized to renovate or convert district-owned surplus buildings into rental
housing for teachers and staff of the district. Space permitting, such housing may also be made
available to teachers and staff of other districts. School districts may contract with nonprofit or
for-profit organizations for the renovation, maintenance, and management of the rental housing.
Districts are encouraged to collaborate with community-based nonprofit organizations with
experience in such areas.
School districts that offer rental housing under this act must develop a fair and objective
selection process for approving tenants. The rental amount for each unit shall be set by the
district's board of directors. Districts providing housing must report annually to the
Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic
Development regarding use of the district's housing program.
Housing provided under this act shall not be considered a fringe benefit or included as salary
when actual average salaries of certified instruction staff.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.