HB 3094.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/12/04)

Recognizes that these centers are extremely valuable tools for preparing students for future careers and supporting local businesses and economic development.

Finds that expansion of skills centers will benefit students, businesses, and local communities.

Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee to conduct a study of the vocational skills centers in Washington's public K-12 educational system. The review shall include: (1) An update on the success of skills centers in assisting high school students prepare for future jobs, including the utilization of centers, the types of progress offered in the centers, and the placement of students;

(2) An analysis of the annual fiscal resources available for these skills centers, including a breakdown of federal, state, local, and private funding;

(3) A description and analysis of any conflicts between the resource requirements of these skills centers and those of the school districts that are part of the consortium supporting the skills centers; and

(4) A description and analysis of those factors that both encourage and discourage student enrollments in the skills centers from participating school districts.

Requires a report to be submitted to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the legislature by March 15, 2005.