SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5531

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

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1989; February 23, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Lee, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Bender, Benitz, Craswell, Fleming, Gaspard, Metcalf, Murray, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Susan Finkel (786-7483)

                  February 23, 1989

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 1, 1989; March 2, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5531 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Bailey, Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Fleming, Gaspard, Hayner, Lee, Matson, Newhouse, Niemi, Owen, Saling, Smith, Talmadge, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Ken Kanikeberg (786-7715)

                  March 15, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 14, 1989

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 at any state institution of higher education 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.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: EDUCATION:  Senator Gaspard, prime sponsor (pro)

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  No one