FINAL BILL REPORT

ESHB 1354

C 4 L 11 E1

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Changing the apportionment schedule to educational service districts and school districts for the 2010-11 school year.

Sponsors: House Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Representatives Hunt, Haigh, Hunter and Darneille; by request of Office of Financial Management).

House Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

General apportionment is the primary means by which basic education funding is allocated to school districts. The basic education rate (BEA rate) is the per pupil allocation provided to districts for a general education student, and is the foundation of the general apportionment budget. In fiscal year 2011, general apportionment exceeds $4.86 billion and represents about 75 percent of the total funding to school districts from the state. The BEA rate used to allocate special education funding for the 2009-10 school year was approximately $4,978 per student full time equivalent.

General apportionment funding is allocated monthly to each district through each county treasurer. The amount provided varies by month. In the months of September, October, December, January, February, and March, districts receive 9 percent of their school year apportionment payment. In November and May they receive 5.5 percent. In June they receive 6 percent. In July and August they receive 10 percent.

Summary:

The school apportionment payment schedule is changed for the 2010-11 school year. The June apportionment payment is reduced by $128 million. A payment of an equal, off-setting amount is added on the first day of July, in addition to the regularly scheduled payment. (These changes have the effect of delaying $128 million in school apportionment payments to fiscal year 2012.)

Votes on Final Passage:

First Special Session