| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Education Committee | |
SSB 6879
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: Regarding the joint task force on basic education finance.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Tom, McDermott and Rasmussen).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/21/08
Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).
Background:
In 2007, the Legislature created the Joint Task Force on Basic Education Finance (Task Force),
which is required to review the definition of basic education and the current basic education
funding formulas, develop options for a new funding structure and all necessary formulas, and
propose a new definition of basic education.
The Washington State Institute for Public Policy supports the Task Force and is required to
provide three reports to the Task Force:
1. an initial report by September 15, 2007, proposing a plan of action, reporting dates, and
timelines;
2. a second report by December 1, 2007, with at least two but not more than four options for
allocating school employee compensation; and
3. a final report by September 15, 2008, with at least two but no more than four options for
revising the remaining K-12 funding structure, a timeline for phasing in the full adoption
of the new funding structure, and a projection of the expected effect of investments made
under the new funding structure.
There is no date provided for the completion of the work of the Task Force and no requirement
for a report from the Task Force to the Legislature.
In November 2007, the King County Superior Court ruled against the state in a case challenging
the state's system of allocating funds to school districts for salaries of teachers, administrators,
and classified staff. The state has appealed the decision.
Summary of Bill:
The Basic Education Finance Task Force must report to the appropriate committees of the
Legislature by December 1, 2008, regarding the information it is required to review. In addition
to other topics already specified, the Task Force must consider issues related to salary
equalization among school districts.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.