Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 2904
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: Concerning the powers and duties of the office of the education ombudsman.
Sponsors: Representatives Kagi, Santos and Kenney.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/26/10
Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).
Background:
The Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO) was established in 2006 within the Office of the Governor. The OEO is responsible for providing information to parents, students, and others regarding their rights and responsibilities within the public school system and advocating on behalf of K-12 students.
The OEO's authorizing statutes provide various powers and duties, including:
developing parent involvement materials;
providing information to students, parents, and the public about the public school system;
identifying obstacles to greater parental involvement in schools;
recommending strategies for improving the success rates of groups of students with disproportionate academic achievement; and
facilitating the resolution of complaints made by parents and students regarding the public school system.
The OEO's operating budget for the 2007-11 biennium is $1.25 million, with an allocation of 7-1/2 full-time equivalent staff. The OEO is not currently authorized to seek, accept, or expend private or other public funds.
Summary of Bill:
The Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO) is authorized to actively seek and accept public and private money and develop private-public partnerships to support the purposes of the office. Any gifts, grants, or endowments from public or private sources that are made for the use or benefit of the OEO may be spent without appropriation according to their terms, along with any income from such gifts, grants, or endowments.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.