SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5333
BYSenators Gaspard, Bailey, Smitherman, Johnson, Stratton, Conner, Bauer, Kiskaddon, Hayner, Bottiger and Benitz
Giving all members on the state board of education the authority to vote.
Senate Committee on Education
Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1987; February 12, 1987
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5333 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Gaspard, Chairman; Bauer, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Benitz, Craswell, Smitherman, Warnke.
Senate Staff:Marcia Costello (786-7419)
February 13, 1987
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 12, 1987
BACKGROUND:
The State Board of Education is comprised of 18 members. Two voting members from each congressional district are elected by the boards of directors of the school districts within the respective congressional districts. One nonvoting member is elected at large by the boards of directors of all approved private schools in the state. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is an ex officio member by virtue of his/her office and may vote only when action on a matter cannot be resolved without his/her vote.
SUMMARY:
The Superintendent of Public Instruction is a member of the State Board of Education with full voting privileges on any matter that comes before the State Board. Also, the member of the State Board representing private schools may vote on all matters.
EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:
The private school member of the State Board of Education will vote only on issues directly affecting private schools. Any dispute about whether an issue has a direct effect on private schools will be resolved by a majority vote of the Board.
The Superintendent of Public Instruction will be an ex officio member and President of the Board and will vote only in the case of a tie.
Fiscal Note: none requested
Senate Committee - Testified: Carl Fynboe, Washington Federation of Independent Schools; Gerard Sheehan, ACLU; Bob Fisher, Washington Education Association