HOUSE BILL REPORT
ESSB 5531
BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Gaspard and Bailey)
Revising provisions for the award for excellence in education program.
House Committe on Education
Majority Report: Do pass. (18)
Signed by Representatives Peery, Chair; G. Fisher, Vice Chair; Betrozoff, Ranking Republican Member; Brumsickle, Cole, Dorn, Fuhrman, Holland, Horn, Jones, Phillips, Pruitt, Rasmussen, Rayburn, Schoon, Valle, Walker and K. Wilson.
House Staff:Susan Patrick (786-7111)
AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 6, 1989
BACKGROUND:
In 1986, the Washington Award for Excellence in Education Program was created to recognize teachers, principals, school district superintendents, and school boards for their leadership, contributions, and commitment to education. The awards for teachers and principals include waivers of tuition and fees to attend state colleges and universities. The waivers make the colleges and universities bear the financial responsibilities of the award, particularly when recipients attend fee based non-tuition classes. Additionally, there is no date specified in statute for recipients to complete courses, creating administrative difficulties for the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
SUMMARY:
Teachers and principals receiving a Washington Award for Excellence in Education may choose to receive a grant equal to one year's tuition at any state institution of higher education. Additionally, courses paid by the grant must be completed within four years of receiving the award.
The Higher Education Coordinating Board is directed to administer the grants and stipends under the act. The stipend is linked to costs incurred while taking the courses under the grant. The bill is contingent on funding in the budget.
Fiscal Note: Not Requested.
House Committee ‑ Testified For: None Presented.
House Committee - Testified Against: None Presented.
House Committee - Testimony For: None Presented.
House Committee - Testimony Against: None Presented.