BILL REQ. #:  S-1091.1 

Read first time 01/25/2007.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.

     AN ACT Relating to training for school directors; adding a new section to chapter 28A.343 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that school directors provide direction and oversight to public education in a community. The legislature further finds that historically, school directors have, among other things, approved budgets and contracts, determined the need for local levy and bond issues, and dealt with concerns voiced by a school district's constituents. The legislature further finds that the roles and responsibilities of school boards seem to be changing because of the new demands created by state and federal education reform and school accountability policies. The legislature further finds that these responsibilities include setting the vision for the school district, creating successful board and superintendent relations, understanding school law and finance, accounting for school and school district improvement, using data to make decisions, and advocating for public education in the community, regionally, and at the state level. The legislature further finds that training in these areas will support school directors to assist students, schools, and school districts be successful.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.343 RCW to read as follows:
     Subject to available funding, each member of a school district board of directors shall complete a minimum of seven hours of training annually. The hours of training obtained by each member must be posted on the school district's web site.