SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2343
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. |
As of April 22, 2009
Title: An act relating to achieving savings in education programs by revising provisions relating to diagnostic assessments, classified staff training, conditional scholarships, certain professional development programs, coordination for career and technical student organizations, and national board certification bonuses.
Brief Description: Achieving savings in education programs.
Sponsors: House Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Representative Haigh).
Brief History: Passed House: 4/20/09, 77-21.
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 4/22/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Elise Greef (786-7708)
Background: The Senate Ways & Means Committee (SWM) Chair's proposed 2009-11 Operating Budget was first released on March 30, 2009. The budget proposed K-12 Near General Fund-state expenditure reductions of $1.658 billion compared to the 2009-11 maintenance level. Among the reductions proposed were programs and initiatives that must be implemented under current law, unless amendments to statute provide otherwise.
Teachers in Washington who earn certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) can be eligible for two bonuses above their base teacher salaries. A base bonus of $5,000 for NBPTS-certified teachers was established beginning in the 2007-2008 school year and, by statute, is to be adjusted for inflation every year thereafter. NBPTS-certified teachers are eligible for an additional $5,000 bonus if they work in a high-poverty school, which is defined in statute.
Summary of Bill: The following Revised Code of Washington (RCW) statutes are amended to make implementation of the associated programs subject to the availability of funds appropriated for the purpose:
28A.655.200 - Diagnostic assessments
28A.415.315 - Paraprofessional training program
28A.660.050 - Alternative Routes' conditional scholarships
28A.415.350 - Learning Improvement Days
28A.415.250 - Teacher Assistance Program, peer mentoring
28A.405.415 - NBPTS bonus program
The NBPTS statute is amended to suspend, for two school years, the inflation-based increase in the annual bonus. The suspended amounts are to be made up by the end of the 2014-15 school year.
Appropriation: The level of funding provided in the SWM Committee's proposed 2009-11 budget assumes savings related to this bill.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2009, to coincide with the effective date of the 2009-11 Omnibus Appropriations Act.