SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6218
BYSenators Murray, Bailey, Rinehart, Bender, Talmadge, Lee, Bauer, Rasmussen, Fleming and Moore
Creating the homeless education grant program.
Senate Committee on Education
Senate Hearing Date(s):January 17, 1990; January 25, 1990
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6218 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill 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 Mosborg (786-7439)
January 29, 1990
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, JANUARY 25, 1990
BACKGROUND:
While estimates vary, there are thought to be at least 16,000 homeless children in Washington State. The state has developed programs to meet the educational needs of migrant children. A similar effort is proposed for homeless children.
SUMMARY:
A Homeless Education Grant Program is created within the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Grants will be awarded to joint projects involving a school district and at least one shelter for homeless families with children. Grant applicants must describe how their proposed program provides for staffing, records transfer, transportation, individual student assessment, and individualized instruction or assistance. Applications are due June 30, 1990, with grants to be awarded by August 31, 1990.
The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall report to the Legislature by September 1, 1991, regarding the program's effectiveness.
EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:
The school district is designated as the fiscal agent for joint projects with homeless shelters.
The school district, rather than OSPI, monitors student progress.
Appropriation: $1,000,000 to the Superintendent of Public Instruction
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: requested
Senate Committee - Testified: FOR: Ken Watson, Carol Williams, Janet Preston, Seattle School District; Don Glabe, Tacoma School District