Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Education Committee

HB 2291

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 transfer of school district territory initiated by school district boards of directors.

Sponsors: Representatives Pike, Stonier, Moeller, Vick, Harris, Blake and Magendanz.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Provides that, in addition to being initiated through citizen petition, changes in school district boundaries may only be initiated through a written agreement signed by a majority of the school board members of each of the affected school districts, rather than by a petition signed by a majority of school board members in one of the districts.

Hearing Date: 2/13/14

Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).

Background:

There are two ways that a change in school district boundaries may be initiated:

  1. Through a written petition signed by more than 50 percent of the registered voters residing in the territory proposed to be transferred; or

  2. Through a petition signed by a majority of the school board members of one of the school districts affected by the transfer of territory.

Before signing such a petition, a school board must communicate the proposed transfer to the school board in the other district and provide an opportunity for that school board to respond. The board must also communicate this information to the registered voters residing in the territory to be transferred and provide them an opportunity to comment at a public hearing.

Petitions are filed with the Educational Service District (ESD) superintendent. There is a process outlined in the law for the affected school districts to attempt to negotiate the transfer of territory proposed under a petition, request a mediator appointed by the ESD, request a hearing and determination by an ESD-appointed Regional Committee on School District Organization, and, if necessary, appeal the determination to an administrative law judge. Once a final agreement or determination is made, the ESD superintendent makes an order to alter the boundaries and adjust assets and liabilities associated with the transfer of territory.

Summary of Bill:

In addition to being initiated through citizen petition, changes in school district boundaries may be initiated through a written agreement signed by a majority of the school board members of each of the affected school districts, rather than by a petition signed by a majority of school board members in one of the districts. A public hearing must be conducted by each of the school boards before the agreement is signed, but the hearing may be conducted jointly by all of the school boards. The ESD superintendent must process the written agreement by making an order to alter the boundaries and adjust assets and liabilities associated with the transfer of territory.

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.