Title: An act relating to the basic education funding formula.

Brief Description: Changing the basic education funding formula.

Sponsors: Senators Holmquist, Rasmussen and Clements.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/26/07.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Staff: Eric Bratton (786-7438)

Background: According to the Washington state constitution, the paramount duty of the state is to provide basic education to all children residing within its borders. Under the Basic Education Act (Act), the state assumed the responsibility for fully funding basic education.

State funds are distributed to school districts through the basic education funding formula. The formula begins with the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) students, as defined by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, enrolled in a school district. Additionally, the formula uses various ratios of allocated certificated instructional, certificated administrative, and classified staff units. Currently, the minimum ratios, which are in statute, are as follows: (1) forty-nine certificated instructional staff to one thousand annual average FTE students enrolled in grades kindergarten through three; (2) forty-six certificated instructional staff to one thousand annual average FTE students enrolled in grades four through twelve; (3) four certificated administrative staff to one thousand annual average FTE students in grades kindergarten through twelve; and (4) sixteen and sixty-seven one-hundredths classified personnel to one thousand annual average FTE students enrolled in grades kindergarten through twelve.

The staff units are then translated into dollars by multiplying the units by the district's state recognized salary level for instructional, administrative, and classified staff. Salary increases, benefits, and allocations for nonemployee-related costs and substitute teachers are then added into the formula. The state funding formula determines the state dollars allocated to each school district; however, each school district determines the actual number and type of staff it will employ and salaries are negotiated between the school district and its employees.

Summary of Bill: The bill requires the funding formula adopted by the Legislature to be specified in the omnibus appropriations act and splits certificated instructional staff into two groups: classroom teachers and other certificated staff. The bill also removes the minimum ratios for each of the different staff classifications. If certificated administrative staff includes chief executive officers, chief administrative officers, confidential employees, supervisors, principals, or assistant principals as defined by statute, then the different ratios for each of these personnel classifications will be specified in the omnibus appropriations act.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.