BP BHEAD INT H [atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to creating the educational opportunity transfer program for the new millennium; and adding a new chapter to Title 28A RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that:

(a) The purpose of this chapter is to provide enhanced educational opportunities for students in this state to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for postsecondary education, a technical education, or the world of work; and

(b) A student should not be compelled to remain in a school found by the state to be failing for two out of four years.

(2) The legislature intends that educational choice transfers be made available in order to give parents and guardians the opportunity for their children to achieve a basic education by attending a public school that is performing satisfactorily.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Eligible student" means:

(a) A student in grades one through five who attends a public school in which for two out of four years fewer than seventy-five percent of the fourth grade students met the state standards in reading and mathematics required in RCW 28A.655.060;

(b) A student in grades six through eight who attends or will attend a school in which for two out of four years fewer than seventy-five percent of the eighth grade students met the state standards in reading and mathematics required in RCW 28A.655.060;

(c) A student in grades nine through twelve who attends or will attend a school in which for two out of four years fewer than seventy-five percent of the eleventh grade students met the state standards in reading and mathematics required in RCW 28A.655.060;

(d) A student in grades one through twelve who attends or will attend a school which has reported in two out of the past four years more than five known incidents involving the possession of weapons in accordance with RCW 28A.320.130; or

(e) A student in grades one through twelve who is the victim of a crime perpetrated by a dangerous weapon included under RCW 9.41.280(1).

(2) "Transfer program" means the educational opportunity transfer program.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) By January 1, 2001, each school district shall develop a process to identify all students eligible to participate in the transfer program.

(2) By June 1, 2001, and each June 1st thereafter, all schools with students eligible to participate in the transfer program shall notify parents of enrolled students of the opportunity for participation in the program.

(3) School districts shall make available a list of schools which are not failing in their district.

(4) Transfers shall be granted to schools that are not failing.

(5) All notices of intent to transfer must be received by the student's school district by July 1st of the first year in which the student intends to transfer.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. (1) The school district shall provide transportation for eligible students transferring to another public school and shall receive state funding for the operating costs of transporting those students.

(2) School districts may coordinate efforts for the transfer of students between districts.

(3) The superintendent of public instruction shall adjust the annual transportation payments to school districts to reflect the transportation of participating students.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. This chapter may be known and cited as the educational opportunity transfer program for the new millennium act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. Sections 1 through 5 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 28A RCW.