HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB  2542

Title:  An act relating to alternative educational service providers.

Brief Description:  Limiting administrative fees that school districts charge alternative educational service providers.

Sponsors: Representatives Keiser, Talcott, Santos, Radcliff and Rockefeller.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date: January 24, 2000

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background:  School districts may contract with alternative educational service providers for the education of eligible students.   Eligible students include students who are likely to be expelled, have been suspended,  present chronic disciplinary problems, or are academically at risk.   School districts may require students who would otherwise be suspended or expelled to attend a program offered by an alternative educational service provider.   A decision to place a student in a program operated by a provider must be jointly determined by the district, the student=s parent or guardian, and the provider.  The district and provider must agree on the specific learning outcomes to be pursued.

Alternative educational service providers may include other schools, education centers, skills centers, dropout prevention programs, and alternative education programs not operated by the school district.  Providers may also include other public and private organizations, with the exception of religious or sectarian organizations.

Summary:  School districts have a limit on the administrative or service fees they may charge to alternative educational service providers.  The fees are limited to 15 percent of the general fund monies generated by an eligible student.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  None.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.