SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5532

BYSenators Gaspard and Bauer

Establishing a sabbatical grant program.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 4, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended and refer to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Gaspard, Chairman; Bauer, Vice Chairman; Rinehart, Vice Chairman; Bender, Smitherman, Warnke.

Senate Staff:Marcia Costello (786-7419)

                  March 5, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, MARCH 4, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Districts are currently required to adopt written policies regarding sabbatical leaves for certificated employees under RCW 28A.58.099.  Available information indicates that few, if any, districts are implementing their sabbatical leave policies because of lack of funds to do so.

SUMMARY:

A grant program is established by the Superintendent of Public Instruction to award funds to school districts in order for those districts to implement their required sabbatical leave policies.  The Superintendent of Public Instruction is to determine the criteria for the awarding of the grants.

School districts are required to apply for grants no later than May 15 of any year when funds are available.  Grants will be awarded no later than August 1 of the same year.

State funds will be granted only if districts fund an amount equal to that funded by the state.  The salary and benefits paid from state funds may not exceed 49 percent of the staff member's regular salary and benefits.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENT:

Staff members who receive sabbatical grant funds must have no less than seven years of service in their school district.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: No one