FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5531

                              C 77 L 89

BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Gaspard and Bailey)

Revising provisions for the award for excellence in education program.

Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Ways & Means

House Committe on Education

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In 1986, the Washington Award for Excellence in Education Program was created to recognize teachers, principals, school district superintendents, and school boards for their leadership, contributions, and commitment to education.  The awards for teachers and principals include waivers of tuition and fees to attend state colleges and universities.  The waivers make the colleges and universities bear the financial responsibilities of the award, particularly when recipients attend fee based nontuition classes.  Additionally, there is no date specified in statute for recipients to complete courses, creating administrative difficulties for the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

SUMMARY:

Teachers and principals receiving a Washington Award for Excellence in Education may choose to receive a grant equal to one year's tuition to attend any state institution of higher education or an independent college or university.  Additionally,  courses paid by the grant must be completed within four years of receiving the award.  The Higher Education Coordinating Board is directed to administer the grants and stipends under the act.  The stipend is linked to costs incurred while taking the courses under the grant.  The bill is contingent on funding in the budget.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   47    1

     House 98  0

EFFECTIVE:The act is null and void since no appropriation was made in the budget.