Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Education Committee

SB 6183

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Providing a process for the dissolution of first-class school directors' districts.

Sponsors: Senators Parlette, McAuliffe, Brandland, Tom, King, Hobbs, Holmquist, Kauffman, Weinstein, Eide, Zarelli, Rasmussen, Hewitt, Oemig and Shin.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Provides first-class school districts the same election process available to second-class school districts to change from director districts to a combination of director districts and at-large directors.

Hearing Date: 2/21/08

Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).

Background:

Any school district with a student enrollment in its public schools of 2,000 or more is a school district of the first class. Any other is a school district of the second class.

Current law provides an election process for a second-class school district, that is divided into director districts, to dissolve director districts and change to a combination of director districts and at-large positions. There is no such process available to first-class school districts.

Summary of Bill:

First-class school districts that are divided into director districts may utilize the same election process currently available to second-class school districts to change to a combination of no fewer than three director districts and no more than two at-large positions. The process requires a resolution adopted by the board of directors or a written petition signed by at least 20 percent of the registered voters of the school district. Upon receipt of such a resolution or petition, the Educational Service District superintendent shall form the question to be submitted to the voters and give notice to the county auditor. The county auditor then shall call a special election of the voters of the entire school district to approve or reject the proposal.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.