SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6483
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 February 10, 2014
Title: An act relating to creating a competitive grant program to provide additional classroom space to support all-day kindergarten.
Brief Description: Creating a competitive grant program to provide additional classroom space to support all-day kindergarten.
Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Honeyford, Frockt, Dammeier, Billig, Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Kline and McAuliffe.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 2/03/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Brian Sims (786-7431)
Background: RCW 28A.150.315 calls for the phase-in of state-funded full-day kindergarten by the 2017-18 school year. The state school construction assistance program made square foot space adjustments for full-day kindergarten in 2001 by counting kindergarten students as full-time students.
Some school districts have reported a lack of classroom space that impedes the scheduled phase-in of full-day kindergarten.
Summary of Bill: A competitive grant program is created to fund classroom space necessary to support the phase-in of full-day kindergarten. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must administer the grant program in consultation with an advisory committee. The advisory committee is composed of three school facility managers selected by OSPI, and four community members selected by the Governor who represent parents and organizations concerned with early childhood educations and student performance. The committee must rank grant applications against three criteria:
the extent classroom space limitations impede the phase-in of state-funded full-day kindergarten;
schools with the highest rate of free and reduced-price school lunches; and
communities with economic conditions that limit the ability to provide space from local sources.
OSPI may modify the rankings by the advisory committee in submitting the OSPI's capital budget request, but must also submit the original ranked list. The Governor may request all, some, or none of the projects and may use the original ranked list or the ranked list submitted by OSPI.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.