HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2419

BYRepresentatives Dorn, Walker, Rasmussen, Brumsickle, Peery, Hargrove, G. Fisher, Braddock, Basich, R. Meyers, Winsley and H. Myers 

Establishing the joint service center program as a pilot program in ten schools.

House Committe on Education

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (18)

      Signed by Representatives Peery, Chair; G. Fisher, Vice Chair; Betrozoff, Ranking Republican Member; Brumsickle, Cole, Dorn, Fuhrman, Holland, Horn, Jones, P. King, Pruitt, Rasmussen, Rayburn, Schoon, Valle, Walker and K. Wilson.

House Staff:Bob Butts (786-7841)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION JANUARY 31, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Because of the increasing number of students in the common schools with family, health, and emotional problems, many believe that a stronger link is needed between social service delivery organizations and schools.

While all school districts are required to screen for specified health problems, the amount of other health and social services provided in schools varies tremendously from district to district.

SUMMARY:

SUBSTITUTE BILL:  The Joint Service Center program is established as a pilot program in 10 schools located within 10 school districts.  The purpose of the program is to allow the use of school district and social service employees to meet the needs of children and their families who reside within the school district.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) and secretary of the Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) shall enter into an interagency agreement to operate the joint service centers.  The centers will continue for up to three years and will provide year-round service.  The agencies will agree on the percentage of financial resources each will provide.

Application requirements for school districts wishing to participate in the program are specified.

Staff shall not be required to be certified by the Board of Education, although certificated staff may be used.  DSHS and SPI shall provide technical assistance to school districts wishing to apply for the joint service center program.

The SPI and secretary of DSHS shall jointly select a panel to review applications.  The panel shall make recommendations to SPI on the projects that should be funded.

An evaluation of the program shall be submitted to the legislature no later than December 31, 1991.

If specific funding for the act is not provided in the supplemental budget, the act shall be null and void.

SUBSTITUTE BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The funding mechanism for the centers is modified; the duration of the centers is extended from one year to up to three years;  SPI and DSHS are directed to provide technical assistance; and a requirement for an evaluation and report to the Legislature is added.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 23, 1990.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    No one.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    None.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.