SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5759

BYSenators Bailey, Rinehart, Lee, Warnke, Talmadge, Moore, Bauer and Stratton

Establishing a school breakfast program.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 16, 1989; February 23, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5759 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Susan Finkel (786-7483)

                  February 27, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 23, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In October 1988, the Governor's Task Force on Hunger called for the increased utilization of the national school lunch and breakfast program.  The task force recommended that the serving of breakfast be mandated in all schools where more than 25 percent of the students are eligible for free or reduced price meals.  Where 40 percent or more of the children participating in the school lunch program qualify for a free and reduced priced lunch, schools receive $.95 for each free breakfast served.  In the 1989-90 school year that will increase to $.98 per breakfast.  These schools are identified as severe need schools.  If the school is not identified as a severe need school, the reimbursement for each free breakfast is $.79 and will increase to $.82 in the 1989-90 school year.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature directs the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to conduct a study to determine which schools participate in the national school lunch program.  Schools will be grouped according to those which have 40 percent free and reduced lunches (severe need schools) and schools which receive 25-39 percent free and reduced lunches.  If the district does not participate in the national school lunch program, the Office of Public Instruction will make a determination as to how many individual students would be eligible for free and reduced lunches, were such meals available.  The SPI will report its findings to the Legislature and schools no later than January 15, 1990.

Districts identified as having severe need schools are required to develop a plan, in conjunction with an advisory committee, for the implementation of a school breakfast program beginning with the 1990-91 school year.  The plan shall be submitted to the SPI no later than July 1, 1990, and implemented no later than the second day of school in the 1990-91 school year.

Districts that have schools with 25-39 percent of the children participating in the free or reduced lunch program must develop a plan for the implementation of a school breakfast program beginning with the 1991-92 school year.  Each of these districts will work with an advisory board and submit implementation for the plan to the SPI no later than December 1, 1990, with the program implemented no later than the second day of school in the 1991-92 school year.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE: 

The study requirements and formation of committees are eliminated.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Linda Smith, Governor's Task Force on Hunger (pro); Marie Korsmo, principal, James Sales Elementary School (pro); Kathleen Clark, nutritionist (pro); Kris VanGorkom, Washington Association of School Directors