SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6040
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. |
As of January 17, 2012
Title: An act relating to school construction assistance rules.
Brief Description: Regarding school construction assistance rules.
Sponsors: Senators McAuliffe, King, Delvin, Rolfes, Hobbs, Shin and Chase.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/16/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)
Background: School district construction projects are eligible for state assistance based on several factors, including when the construction is needed for instructional space based on un-housed students. The calculation compares the district’s current inventory of instructional space to its projected enrollment. Therefore, if the full square footage of instructional space in a shared facility was included in the calculation then it would not accurately represent the un-housed need. The current practice of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is to not include the entire square footage of a shared facility in the calculation, although this is not specifically detailed in either statute or OSPI rule.
Summary of Bill: OSPI must adopt rules to ensure that a host school district of a shared or co-located facility is not penalized when calculating state school construction assistance.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Tri-cities has three school districts cooperating on a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math school: Delta High School. It is physically located in the Richland school district but the other two districts send students to the school. It is amazing because the community and business are all involved. There is a concern that the entire footprint of the building will count against Richland when they seek state assistance for any school construction project.
OTHER: OSPI has complicated formulas for when and how the state provides funding for a school construction project. Because of the complications we are concerned there may be unintended consequences from this bill that would cause the district to not receive state assistance for a school construction project. We would suggest a study to come back to you with recommendations on how to address these shared buildings.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator McAuliffe, prime sponsor.
OTHER: Gordon Beck, OSPI.