Title: An act relating to changing the state formula for funding allocations for pupil transportation.

Brief Description: Changing the state formula for funding allocations for pupil transportation.

Sponsors: Senators Rockefeller, Mulliken, Berkey, Weinstein, Rasmussen, Spanel and Pflug.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education: 1/16/06.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING, K-12 & HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff: Ingrid Mungia (786-7423)

Background: The current student transportation funding formula provides allocations to districts based on the number of students transported and the weighted radius distances between route stops and schools. Districts receive a state allocation for trips to and from home and school beyond one mile in school buses, passes or tokens used on local transit systems, shuttles between learning centers for instruction mandated by statute, and in-lieu payments made to parents or guardians. Additionally, the formula includes an allocation for kindergarten through fifth grade students living within one mile of their school. The state does not provide funding for field trips, extracurricular trips, extended school day take home trips, or after school activity take home trips. The formula also includes an allocation for reimbursing districts for purchasing school buses.

Summary of Bill: The primary basis for the student transportation funding formula is changed from a weighted radius distance to the actual miles transported. Reimbursement will be provided for students transported living within one mile of the school. The formula allocation for kindergarten through fifth grade students living within one mile of the school is eliminated.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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