Brief Description: Requiring a review and development of basic education funding.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Clements, Tom, Weinstein, Rockefeller, Oemig, Kastama, Hobbs, Pridemore, Eide, Franklin, Shin, Regala, Marr, Murray, Spanel, Hargrove, Kline, Kilmer, Haugen, Kohl-Welles and Rasmussen).

Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
House Committee on Education
House Committee on Appropriations

Background: In 2005, the Legislature created a comprehensive education study steering committee (Washington Learns) comprised of legislators, the Governor, and others, and three sector advisory committees on which legislators and others served. The Washington Learns steering and advisory committees were directed to conduct a comprehensive study of early learning, K-12, and higher education; to develop recommendations on how the state can best provide stable funding for early learning, public schools, and public colleges and universities; and to develop recommendations on specified policy issues. The steering committee submitted an interim and a final report with recommendations to the Legislature.

Summary: A joint task force is created to review the current basic education definition and funding formulas and develop a new definition and funding structure that aligns with the final report of the Washington Learns steering committee and the basic education provisions in current law. The joint task force consists of 14 members: eight legislators, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, a representative of the Governor's Office or the Office of Financial Management, and four members appointed by the Governor (a chair with experience in finance and knowledge of the K-12 funding formulas, and three members with significant experience with K-12 finance issues). Each of the caucuses may submit names to the Governor for appointment consideration. The Washington Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) will provide research support and must consult with stakeholders and experts in the field. The WSIPP may request assistance from specified state agencies.

WSIPP must provide an initial, second, and final report to the task force. The initial report must be provided by September 15, 2007, and must include a plan of action with timelines, reporting deadlines, and a timeline that does not exceed six years for implementation of a new funding system. The second report is due by December 1, 2007, and must provide at least two, but not more than four, options for allocating school employee compensation, with one option that is a redirection and prioritization within existing resources based on research-proven education programs. Additionally, the second report must provide a finalized timeline and plan for addressing the remaining components of a new funding system. The final report is due by September 15, 2008, and must include recommendations for at least two, but not more than four, options for revising the rest of the K-12 funding structure, with one option that is a redirection and prioritization within existing resources based on research-proven education programs. The final report must include a timeline for phasing in the new funding structure and a projection of the expected effect of the investment made under the new funding structure.

The alternative funding models must consider specified priorities, should reflect the most effective instructional strategies and service delivery models, and be research-based with demonstrated cost benefits. The task force must consider several specified issues. Additionally, the recommendations should provide maximum transparency of the funding system and the structure should be linked to accountability for student outcomes and performance.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      43   5
House      62   36   (House amended)
Senate            (Senate refused to concur)
House      64   34   (House amended)
Senate      27   17   (Senate concurred)

Effective:   May 9, 2007