SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6544

                    AS OF JANUARY 27, 1994

Brief Description:  Funding six learning centers for juvenile parolees.

SPONSORS: Senators Nelson, Sellar, Winsley, Moyer and Oke

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Leslie Goldstein (786‑7424)

Hearing Dates:

BACKGROUND:

Learning centers provided educational programs for some students who were under the jurisdiction of the court system.  The learning centers were operated jointly by local school districts and the Division of Juvenile Rehabilitation in the Department of Social and Health Services.  The programs operated for a 220-day school year.

There were six learning centers located in Yakima, Walla Walla, Spokane, Everett, Seattle and Tacoma.  During the 1991-93 biennium, $1.9 million was appropriated to the Superintendent of Public Instruction for six school districts to operate the education program at the centers and $400,000 was appropriated to the Department of Social and Health Services to provide facilities and staff support for the program.  The program was not funded in the 1993-95 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

SUMMARY:

Funding is restored for learning centers.  The programs are funded at the same level as they were in the 1991-93 biennium.

Appropriation:  $200,000 to the Department of Social and Health Services;  $950,000 to the Superintendent of Public Instruction

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 28, 1994