SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5858

BYSenators McCaslin, Murray and Bailey

Regarding meetings of school directors.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 13, 1989; February 16, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Susan Finkel (786-7483)

                  April 17, 1989

House Committe on Education

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 7, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Open Public Meetings Act of 1971 provides that meetings of public governing bodies may be attended by all persons and that the actions and deliberations of a governing body shall be taken openly.  The law requires that notice of the time and place for holding regular meetings be provided in accordance with agency ordinance, resolution or bylaws.

Current law applicable to first class school districts requires that the district board of directors maintain an office where all regular meetings of the district must be held.  Many school districts prefer to conduct meetings throughout the school district to provide an opportunity for broader public participation.

SUMMARY:

Directors of first class school districts are not required to hold all regular meetings of the board in the office where all records, vouchers and other important papers may be preserved.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Dwayne Slate, Washington State School Directors' Association (pro)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The regular meetings are held within the district boundaries.