FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2360

C 162 L 16

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Eliminating the quality education council.

Sponsors: Representatives Lytton, Magendanz, Sullivan, Reykdal, Rossetti, Santos and Chandler.

House Committee on Education

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

Quality Education Council.

The Quality Education Council (QEC) was created in 2009 to inform future educational policy and funding decisions of the Legislature and the Governor, identify measurable goals and priorities for Washington's education system for a 10-year time period, and enable the state to implement an evolving program of basic education. The QEC updates statewide strategic recommendations every four years.

The QEC identifies goals for issue areas, including basic education, ongoing strategies for coordinating statewide efforts to eliminate the achievement gap and reduce student dropout rates, and strategies to increase learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Technical Funding Formulas Working Group.

Convened by the Office of Financial Management the technical funding formulas working group (working group) provides details of funding formulas to support the instructional program of basic education. The working group also recommends to the Legislature an implementation schedule for phasing-in any increased program or instructional requirements along with recommending increases in funding for adoption by the Legislature. It is also tasked with other examination and reporting duties. The working group is monitored and overseen by the Legislature and the QEC, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction provides assistance and support to the working group.

Summary:

The QEC and the working group are eliminated.

Numerous statutes referencing the QEC are modified to reflect the elimination of the QEC.

Votes on Final Passage: