It’s been nearly two weeks since the March 17 revenue forecast blew a hole in the spending plans of House and Senate budget writers and still no budget in sight.
The March forecast was nearly $700 million less than the November forecast for the 2011-13 operating baseline, and another $85 million below for the fiscal year ending this June.
That means lawmakers are faced with closing a $5.3 billion gap between revenues and expenditures, and the going isn’t easy.
Read the full update.
Updates on the Legislature and state government from the Washington State School Directors' Association.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
1776 pulled from Rules
In the March 25 Legislative Update, E2SHB 1776 was incorrectly shown as failing to make it out of the policy committee and was labeled "dead." Apparently the paperwork from the committee hadn't caught up with WSSDA's bill tracking site ... so, many apologies for that incorrect information.
As it is, the bill was pulled today from the Senate Rules Committee to the floor, which means it is in line for quicker action.
The bill would direct the Department of Early Learning to work on a process to license publicly owned buildings for pre- and after-school child care, and would involve the fire marshal in the process.
Seattle Public Schools supports the bill that is sponsored by newcomer Rep. David Frockt, D-Seattle. The House and Senate have until April 12 to pass bills from the opposite chamber.
As it is, the bill was pulled today from the Senate Rules Committee to the floor, which means it is in line for quicker action.
The bill would direct the Department of Early Learning to work on a process to license publicly owned buildings for pre- and after-school child care, and would involve the fire marshal in the process.
Seattle Public Schools supports the bill that is sponsored by newcomer Rep. David Frockt, D-Seattle. The House and Senate have until April 12 to pass bills from the opposite chamber.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Legislative Update: Countdown to April 24 begins
The daffodils are out and the cherry blossoms are about to burst as legislators start the final stretch of what has been a relatively calm – at least to outsiders – session. That is going to change.
The biggest bit of business is passing the operating, construction and transportation two-year budgets. With the recent revenue forecast March 17 down by nearly $800 million more than previously projected, deeper and more significant funding cuts will be needed than those proposed by Gov. Chris Gregoire last December.
Those counting on a robust capital budget are sure to be disappointed, although both chambers have indicated the school construction assistance account will receive top priority.
As policy committees wrapped up business Friday, attention now shifts to the budgets and to floor action. Still no concrete date on when House Ways & Means budget chair Ross Hunter, D-Medina, will release a budget proposal, but it is expected next week.
Read the full update.
The biggest bit of business is passing the operating, construction and transportation two-year budgets. With the recent revenue forecast March 17 down by nearly $800 million more than previously projected, deeper and more significant funding cuts will be needed than those proposed by Gov. Chris Gregoire last December.
Those counting on a robust capital budget are sure to be disappointed, although both chambers have indicated the school construction assistance account will receive top priority.
As policy committees wrapped up business Friday, attention now shifts to the budgets and to floor action. Still no concrete date on when House Ways & Means budget chair Ross Hunter, D-Medina, will release a budget proposal, but it is expected next week.
Read the full update.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Legislative Update: Bill action continues, what’s next
The House Education Committee passed out three bills today, March 24, amending two bills to mitigate potential costs to school districts.
SSB 5184 – allowing for condensed compliance reports from school districts with fewer than 2,000 students. Passed with no amendments.
SSB 5392 – including “technology” as a stated educational core concept and principle. Passed as amended.
Rep. Brad Klippert, R-Kennewick, offered an amendment that would have removed technology from the basic education goals and added a section that would have encouraged school districts to provide opportunities to use and apply technology to the extent funds were available and deemed appropriate by school directors. Speaking to his amendment, Klippert said it would reduce the fiscal impact of adding another element to the goals. The amendment failed.
Read the full update.
SSB 5184 – allowing for condensed compliance reports from school districts with fewer than 2,000 students. Passed with no amendments.
SSB 5392 – including “technology” as a stated educational core concept and principle. Passed as amended.
Rep. Brad Klippert, R-Kennewick, offered an amendment that would have removed technology from the basic education goals and added a section that would have encouraged school districts to provide opportunities to use and apply technology to the extent funds were available and deemed appropriate by school directors. Speaking to his amendment, Klippert said it would reduce the fiscal impact of adding another element to the goals. The amendment failed.
Read the full update.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Legislative Update: Bill action (or inaction, as the case may be)
Running a tight ship today, Senate education committee chair Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, squeezed in a work session on home visitation programs, a public hearing on four bills, and executive action on eight bills, including the controversial alternative route for principals.
McAuliffe heard from sponsors and supporters on ESHB 1808, the launch year bill; 2SHB 1510, the kindergarten readiness assessment bill; HB 1491, which adds members to the early learning advisory council; and SHB 1621, which makes technical corrections to DEL’s statutes.
On 1510, McAuliffe indicated the Senate version, 2SSB 5427, would be the bill that moved, so it didn’t signal a lack of support if the House bill didn’t move out of committee.
Two bills passed with no amendments: SHB 1431, creating a clear legal framework to help school districts faced with financial insolvency; and SHB 1600, creating an elementary math specialist certification.
Other bills were amended as follows ...
Read the full update.
McAuliffe heard from sponsors and supporters on ESHB 1808, the launch year bill; 2SHB 1510, the kindergarten readiness assessment bill; HB 1491, which adds members to the early learning advisory council; and SHB 1621, which makes technical corrections to DEL’s statutes.
On 1510, McAuliffe indicated the Senate version, 2SSB 5427, would be the bill that moved, so it didn’t signal a lack of support if the House bill didn’t move out of committee.
Two bills passed with no amendments: SHB 1431, creating a clear legal framework to help school districts faced with financial insolvency; and SHB 1600, creating an elementary math specialist certification.
Other bills were amended as follows ...
Read the full update.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Legislative Update: Three days or less left for policy bill action
House and Senate policy committees have until March 25 to pass bills that started in the opposite chamber out of committees. With all Friday committees cancelled in the House, Thursday is the last day for Senate bills in House policy committees.
The House and Senate education committees have scheduled executive action, and bills that are in other committees may have had action or may see action yet this week.
On March 25, WSSDA will do a look back at what has moved out of committee and any amendments. But here’s a quick look at what is on the schedule for action ...
Read the full update.
The House and Senate education committees have scheduled executive action, and bills that are in other committees may have had action or may see action yet this week.
On March 25, WSSDA will do a look back at what has moved out of committee and any amendments. But here’s a quick look at what is on the schedule for action ...
Read the full update.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Legislative Update: The week ahead, Senate releases substitute bill on education restructuring
Next week’s hearing schedule is posted to the WSSDA web site, so please take a look at what’s coming up that you might be following. However, be advised that it has changed and will continue to change, so your best bet is to check the legislative web site.
Here’s a quick glance:
Budgets
House Ways & Means Chair Ross Hunter, D-Medina, had planned to have a 2011-13 spending plan on the streets next week. The bleak revenue forecast March 17 blew a hole in that strategy.
At the media event following the Thursday revenue announcement, Hunter said he needed to get the votes to bring a bill forward, and it sounds like they might be back to the drawing board on some items.
Reading the tea leaves, the earliest we might see an operating budget is probably Thursday, March 24, with the budget committee working Friday and Saturday to bring it forward for a vote on the House floor. It is also probable a proposal won’t be available until the following week. Stay tuned.
Read the full update.
Here’s a quick glance:
Budgets
House Ways & Means Chair Ross Hunter, D-Medina, had planned to have a 2011-13 spending plan on the streets next week. The bleak revenue forecast March 17 blew a hole in that strategy.
At the media event following the Thursday revenue announcement, Hunter said he needed to get the votes to bring a bill forward, and it sounds like they might be back to the drawing board on some items.
Reading the tea leaves, the earliest we might see an operating budget is probably Thursday, March 24, with the budget committee working Friday and Saturday to bring it forward for a vote on the House floor. It is also probable a proposal won’t be available until the following week. Stay tuned.
Read the full update.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Legislative Update: No gold at the end of this rainbow
Speaking to the Revenue Forecast Council on Thursday at noon, state chief economist Dr. Arun Raha delivered the bad news that projected state revenues are down nearly $700 million over the next two years. This widens the state’s budget shortfall to $5.1 billion.
Legislative budget writers had been expecting anywhere from a $500 million to $2 billion drop in revenues, so the news could have been worse. Last December, when Gov. Chris Gregoire announced her budget proposals, the shortfall was projected at $4.6 billion.
Read the full update.
Legislative budget writers had been expecting anywhere from a $500 million to $2 billion drop in revenues, so the news could have been worse. Last December, when Gov. Chris Gregoire announced her budget proposals, the shortfall was projected at $4.6 billion.
Read the full update.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Legislative Update: Haigh offers changes to restructuring bill
Speaking before the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee on ESHB 1849, sponsor Rep. Kathy Haigh told members that she had changed the focus of the bill and hoped they would consider an alternative.
Haigh’s substitute proposal still would create a Washington State Education Council, with 23 members representing a broad range of stakeholders. The Council would serve as the primary strategic oversight and advocacy board for public education – from early learning through K-12 through postsecondary education.
Read the full update.
Haigh’s substitute proposal still would create a Washington State Education Council, with 23 members representing a broad range of stakeholders. The Council would serve as the primary strategic oversight and advocacy board for public education – from early learning through K-12 through postsecondary education.
Read the full update.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Legislative Update: Senate to hear restructuring education bill
The Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee will take public comments at its 8 a.m. public hearing Wednesday, March 16 on ESHB 1849, an alternative to Gov. Chris Gregoire’s plan to create a Department of Education.
As it passed the House, ESHB 1849 would create a 23-member Washington State Education Council that would recommend policies, strategies and a governance structure to make the public education system student-focused and to provide a seamless service to all students. The council includes representation from early learning through higher education.
Read the full update.
As it passed the House, ESHB 1849 would create a 23-member Washington State Education Council that would recommend policies, strategies and a governance structure to make the public education system student-focused and to provide a seamless service to all students. The council includes representation from early learning through higher education.
Read the full update.
Budget discussion looms
Eric Smith writes for the online publication Washington State Wire. I've known Eric for 20 years, and think he's one of the best observers and writers on the Olympia scene. Here is his take on what folks can expect when Dr. Arun Raha, the state's chief economist, comes out with the latest revenue forecast at noon Thursday.
Like Eric, I'm not expecting a pot of gold to appear and resolve the state's budget woes. It's worth keeping in mind that lawmakers are still considering a shift in the June 2011 apportionment payments to July 2011.
And as for LEA/levy equalization, while the rallying cry of "no cuts" has bipartisan support in both chambers, if the forecast creeps up to an additional $1 billion mark (so $5.5 billion between revenues and expenditures for 2011-13), leadership has indicated that even LEA may be in for a reduction.
In December, Gov. Chris Gregoire proposed a $39 million cut, using a four-tiered system that would reduce funding levels more significantly to districts that are closest to the state average. Another idea that's on the table is to roll back the 2010 increase to 12%, which was part of the deal lifting the levy lid to 28% - without a similar decrease in levy lid.
House budget chair Ross Hunter, D-Medina, says he'll have a budget ready for review 4-5 days after the forecast. With five weeks left before the end of session, the question is whether they can agree on cuts and complete their work or if they will wait and hope the June forecast closes the gap. Stay tuned.
Like Eric, I'm not expecting a pot of gold to appear and resolve the state's budget woes. It's worth keeping in mind that lawmakers are still considering a shift in the June 2011 apportionment payments to July 2011.
And as for LEA/levy equalization, while the rallying cry of "no cuts" has bipartisan support in both chambers, if the forecast creeps up to an additional $1 billion mark (so $5.5 billion between revenues and expenditures for 2011-13), leadership has indicated that even LEA may be in for a reduction.
In December, Gov. Chris Gregoire proposed a $39 million cut, using a four-tiered system that would reduce funding levels more significantly to districts that are closest to the state average. Another idea that's on the table is to roll back the 2010 increase to 12%, which was part of the deal lifting the levy lid to 28% - without a similar decrease in levy lid.
House budget chair Ross Hunter, D-Medina, says he'll have a budget ready for review 4-5 days after the forecast. With five weeks left before the end of session, the question is whether they can agree on cuts and complete their work or if they will wait and hope the June forecast closes the gap. Stay tuned.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Legislative Update: Town Hall meetings Saturday, a look ahead to the coming week
Just a friendly reminder that many legislators are holding town hall meetings tomorrow in their communities and they want to hear from you. These events offer a prime opportunity to let legislators know about the good things going on in your school districts and what the consequences of funding cuts will be to students, staff, and operations.
Some legislators have already held “tele-town hall meetings,” which are open to all voters in the legislative district and take place only over the phone, and others have held their meetings. So if you don’t see your legislator listed in our summary, please check his or her web site – it’s possible the event has passed.
Since many school boards are making decisions about how to weather the cuts to this current school year, that’s a good place to start the conversation.
Read the full update.
Some legislators have already held “tele-town hall meetings,” which are open to all voters in the legislative district and take place only over the phone, and others have held their meetings. So if you don’t see your legislator listed in our summary, please check his or her web site – it’s possible the event has passed.
Since many school boards are making decisions about how to weather the cuts to this current school year, that’s a good place to start the conversation.
Read the full update.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Legislative Update: What’s in your in-box?
As funny as it sounds, for the third day in a row WSSDA has heard from legislators that say they are getting more email and telephone calls on cougars, chicken eggs, and shark fins than cuts to K-12 education.
One legislator said they used the folder system in their in-box, and that the chickens were leading. “My ‘eggs’ bucket has 34 messages. Education is pretty empty,” said the legislator.
And while legislators don’t decide how they will vote based on the number of emails they receive, they do keep track of what they are hearing from constituents and what is causing the most concern.
Read the full update.
One legislator said they used the folder system in their in-box, and that the chickens were leading. “My ‘eggs’ bucket has 34 messages. Education is pretty empty,” said the legislator.
And while legislators don’t decide how they will vote based on the number of emails they receive, they do keep track of what they are hearing from constituents and what is causing the most concern.
Read the full update.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Leg. Update: IB diploma, innovative schools topics of public hearings
For the next few weeks, House and Senate policy committees will take public testimony on bills that have already met the major hurdle of passing the chamber where they started. Here’s a quick look at what’s on the schedule for this week
Wednesday, March 9
The Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee is holding a public hearing on three bills, including SHB 1524 – recognizing the international baccalaureate diploma; HB 1168 – relating to career and technical education; and SHB 1710 – creating a strategic plan for career and technical education.
In the House Health Care & Wellness Committee, members will hear about ESB 5005, which would require parents or legal guardians seeking an exemption from the immunization record reporting to school to get a signature from a health care practitioner that they had been informed about the risks and benefits of immunization. The companion bill is HB 1015, which has not been scheduled for a hearing yet.
Read the full update.
Wednesday, March 9
The Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee is holding a public hearing on three bills, including SHB 1524 – recognizing the international baccalaureate diploma; HB 1168 – relating to career and technical education; and SHB 1710 – creating a strategic plan for career and technical education.
In the House Health Care & Wellness Committee, members will hear about ESB 5005, which would require parents or legal guardians seeking an exemption from the immunization record reporting to school to get a signature from a health care practitioner that they had been informed about the risks and benefits of immunization. The companion bill is HB 1015, which has not been scheduled for a hearing yet.
Read the full update.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Leg. Update: Most education bills survive cutoff, remain “alive”
Monday, March 7 marked a major deadline for bills to pass out of the chamber where they originated to remain under consideration this session. The exceptions to this cutoff are bills that have been or will be designated NTIB or “necessary to implement the budget.”
The Senate and House worked through Saturday, with the House finishing up work after midnight, prompting one legislator rising to speak on a bill, “Good morning, Mr. Speaker.”
As a result, very few education policy bills were left on the calendar when the clock struck the self-imposed cutoff of 5 p.m.
Read the full update.
The Senate and House worked through Saturday, with the House finishing up work after midnight, prompting one legislator rising to speak on a bill, “Good morning, Mr. Speaker.”
As a result, very few education policy bills were left on the calendar when the clock struck the self-imposed cutoff of 5 p.m.
Read the full update.
Oops! Innovation bill passes, 94-2
The House did two bills before they went to caucus, including ESHB 1546, a bill that would allow for innovation schools and school zones, and would allow up to 10 pilot projects for innovative schools starting in 2013. The bill was amended on the House floor, with some requirements stripped - see the March 7 Legislative Update for more information or the legislative web site.
5 p.m. deadline for bill action comes and goes
Under a self-imposed 5 p.m., deadline, the House left bills on the floor calendar dealing with unpaid family leave, innovative school pilot projects, making Becca voluntary, and teaching the consequences of sex offender convictions during sex ed curriculum.
In the Senate, the only unfunded mandates bill (SSB 5191) that was still in play died. The bill would have suspended several requirements, changed some, and eliminated others. It is difficult to find a list of requirements that everyone can agree on, and this year proved no exception.
More information will be in the Monday, March 7 Legislative Update.
In the Senate, the only unfunded mandates bill (SSB 5191) that was still in play died. The bill would have suspended several requirements, changed some, and eliminated others. It is difficult to find a list of requirements that everyone can agree on, and this year proved no exception.
More information will be in the Monday, March 7 Legislative Update.
Less than 2 hours to go ...
With a 5 p.m. deadline looming, the House and Senate are continuing to work on bills they are interested in keeping under consideration.
The hot rumor is that in the Senate the self-proclaimed "road-kill" caucus, a group of Senate Democrats that often vote more "conservatively" and therefore get run over by others in their caucus, are planning to join with Senate Republicans to "hijack" the rest of the agenda.
Not sure if that will happen, but they just finished discussing a study of Mazama pocket gophers. This will be followed by other "animal" bills (sharks, cougars, eggs, etc.), although nothing on possums.
Nothing quite so fun or interesting in the House, unfortunately. Most of their big push was on Saturday, when they worked past midnight.
The hot rumor is that in the Senate the self-proclaimed "road-kill" caucus, a group of Senate Democrats that often vote more "conservatively" and therefore get run over by others in their caucus, are planning to join with Senate Republicans to "hijack" the rest of the agenda.
Not sure if that will happen, but they just finished discussing a study of Mazama pocket gophers. This will be followed by other "animal" bills (sharks, cougars, eggs, etc.), although nothing on possums.
Nothing quite so fun or interesting in the House, unfortunately. Most of their big push was on Saturday, when they worked past midnight.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
House adopts "community forest trust" bill
The House voted today to authorize a new “community forest trust” which proponents say will help relieve some of the pressure on urban forest lands by creating a new tool for the Department of Natural Resources.
Speaking against ESHB 1421, Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, said that DNR already had the ability to deal with these issues through the trust land transfer program and raised issues about how much the new trust will cost the state and local governments.
DNR worked with the WSSDA Trust Lands Task Force to ensure that the department’s fiduciary responsibility was maintained as their top priority for school trust lands, along with incorporating other concerns. The Task Force adopted a “neutral but watch” position.
The bill passed 55-43.
Speaking against ESHB 1421, Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, said that DNR already had the ability to deal with these issues through the trust land transfer program and raised issues about how much the new trust will cost the state and local governments.
DNR worked with the WSSDA Trust Lands Task Force to ensure that the department’s fiduciary responsibility was maintained as their top priority for school trust lands, along with incorporating other concerns. The Task Force adopted a “neutral but watch” position.
The bill passed 55-43.
School districts and private driving schools may get exam authority
As a way of reducing wait times in offices and increasing driver’s license identification security, SHB 1635 would allow the Department of Licensing to authorize school districts that offer a driver’s ed program and private business driving schools to administer knowledge and driving tests.
WSSDA worked with the bill sponsor, Rep. Dave Upthegrove, D-West Seattle, to make sure school districts were included in the development of standards and requirements for administering these portions of the exam and were exempted in the liability sections. A new bill based on our conversations is being offered by the sponsor, and is expected to be adopted.
In addition, WSSDA has requested that school districts with traffic safety education programs be represented on the advisory committee to ensure they have a voice in program evaluation and the report to the Legislature. Rep. Upthegrove said that he is continuing to work on this issue and the committee will be balanced if one is created in the final bill. The amendment still includes an advisory committee, but membership details are still in flux.
According to OSPI, 99 school districts provide traffic safety education and ESD 113 offers a cooperative program. It is unclear how many school districts might participate in this program, and WSSDA is interested in hearing from those districts that offer a driver’s ed program to get your feedback. Please email Marie Sullivan at m.sullivan@wssda.org.
The bill is expected to be part of a group of transportation bills that will be taken up by the House before the Monday, March 7, 5 p.m. cutoff.
WSSDA worked with the bill sponsor, Rep. Dave Upthegrove, D-West Seattle, to make sure school districts were included in the development of standards and requirements for administering these portions of the exam and were exempted in the liability sections. A new bill based on our conversations is being offered by the sponsor, and is expected to be adopted.
In addition, WSSDA has requested that school districts with traffic safety education programs be represented on the advisory committee to ensure they have a voice in program evaluation and the report to the Legislature. Rep. Upthegrove said that he is continuing to work on this issue and the committee will be balanced if one is created in the final bill. The amendment still includes an advisory committee, but membership details are still in flux.
According to OSPI, 99 school districts provide traffic safety education and ESD 113 offers a cooperative program. It is unclear how many school districts might participate in this program, and WSSDA is interested in hearing from those districts that offer a driver’s ed program to get your feedback. Please email Marie Sullivan at m.sullivan@wssda.org.
The bill is expected to be part of a group of transportation bills that will be taken up by the House before the Monday, March 7, 5 p.m. cutoff.
Senate to address "retire/rehire" issue
When the Senate reconvenes at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, it is expected to take up
SB 5852. The bill would roll back a provision adopted several years ago to address a teacher shortage problem.
Under the bill provisions, members of the TRS Plan 1 or PERS Plan 1 who retire on or after September 1, 2011 would not be allowed to work more than 867 hours in a calendar year in a “retirement-covered system” without seeing a reduction in their pension benefits.
SB 5852. The bill would roll back a provision adopted several years ago to address a teacher shortage problem.
Under the bill provisions, members of the TRS Plan 1 or PERS Plan 1 who retire on or after September 1, 2011 would not be allowed to work more than 867 hours in a calendar year in a “retirement-covered system” without seeing a reduction in their pension benefits.
OSPI to define "resident" for federal forest payments
Working on a Saturday, the Senate just passed SSB 5239 48-0. The bill would affect school districts in Skamania County only, and would require OSPI to develop rules to define what a “resident” is for the purpose of federal forest payments.
Bill sponsor Senator Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, described the bill as one of fairness to school districts, and said a change to the definition is necessary due to the increase in online learning options in the county.
Bill sponsor Senator Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, described the bill as one of fairness to school districts, and said a change to the definition is necessary due to the increase in online learning options in the county.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Leg. Update: Legislature continues floor action
The House and Senate kept up a steady pace today, but passed only two bills related to education issues. First Reading tracked the action and debate, and will continue to post as bills pass.
By a vote of 31-15, the Senate passed 2SSB 5427, which would apply to schools that receive state funds for all-day kindergarten. The bill would require those schools to use the assessment beginning in the 2012-13 school year if funding is available.
Read the full update.
By a vote of 31-15, the Senate passed 2SSB 5427, which would apply to schools that receive state funds for all-day kindergarten. The bill would require those schools to use the assessment beginning in the 2012-13 school year if funding is available.
Read the full update.
Senate passes kindergarten readiness 31-15
The Senate passed the kindergarten readiness assessment bill 31-15. The bill would apply to schools that receive state funds for all-day kindergarten, and would require those schools to use the assessment beginning in the 2012-13 school year if funding is available.
Speaking in support of her bill, Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, talked about the good work going on with the pilot programs on kindergarten assessments, and how this helps teachers be more prepared and students be more successful.
Senate Republican budget leader Joe Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, suggested that this wasn’t the time to be adding new programs, and that the estimated $3 million a biennium would be better spent on ECEAP (an early learning program for low-income children) or held to blunt cuts to the K-12 funding box.
He was joined in similar opposition to the bill by Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, and Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. The senators objected to adding laws when funding isn’t available, and Schoesler brought up the K-4 enhancement cuts sustained in the supplemental budget. "If we can't fund K-4, then we can't afford this," he said.
However, some of the members speaking in favor of the bill (Sens. Steve Litzow, R- Mercer Island, Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue, Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, and Paull Shin, D-Mukilteo) said this was the right time to do the bill and that it was necessary.
Arguments in support were that the pilot programs were working, that this was an important program to gauge the readiness of students coming into kindergarten, and that it would help teachers be more successful when they understand what the skills, knowledge and “readiness” of the student is to start kindergarten.
Also speaking in favor was Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, who said that the Senate Ways & Means Committee had modified the bill in the budget committee to require funding before moving forward, and supporters were seeking private funds to support the program.
The bill was requested by OSPI, and is similar to 2SHB 1510, which passed the House yesterday under similar debate.
Speaking in support of her bill, Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, talked about the good work going on with the pilot programs on kindergarten assessments, and how this helps teachers be more prepared and students be more successful.
Senate Republican budget leader Joe Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, suggested that this wasn’t the time to be adding new programs, and that the estimated $3 million a biennium would be better spent on ECEAP (an early learning program for low-income children) or held to blunt cuts to the K-12 funding box.
He was joined in similar opposition to the bill by Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, and Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. The senators objected to adding laws when funding isn’t available, and Schoesler brought up the K-4 enhancement cuts sustained in the supplemental budget. "If we can't fund K-4, then we can't afford this," he said.
However, some of the members speaking in favor of the bill (Sens. Steve Litzow, R- Mercer Island, Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue, Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, and Paull Shin, D-Mukilteo) said this was the right time to do the bill and that it was necessary.
Arguments in support were that the pilot programs were working, that this was an important program to gauge the readiness of students coming into kindergarten, and that it would help teachers be more successful when they understand what the skills, knowledge and “readiness” of the student is to start kindergarten.
Also speaking in favor was Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, who said that the Senate Ways & Means Committee had modified the bill in the budget committee to require funding before moving forward, and supporters were seeking private funds to support the program.
The bill was requested by OSPI, and is similar to 2SHB 1510, which passed the House yesterday under similar debate.
Senate to take up kindergarten readiness bill
The Senate plans to take up SB 5427, a bill that would direct schools that receive state funding for all-day kindergarten, to the extent funds are available, to use a kindergarten assessment process specified by OSPI and report the results to OSPI. Parents and legal guardians would be able to opt out of the readiness assessment. The requirement starts in the 2012-13 school year. Stay tuned.
House passes levy base bill
When the House reconvened today after lunch it picked up SHB 1815, a bill that would basically hold school districts' levy bases harmless from the cuts experienced in the FY11 supplemental budget and protect against cuts in the upcoming biennial budget. Read the bill report for the "official" formula.
The bill had been scheduled for action yesterday during "education day," but since passing the bill would acknowledge that K-12 will be cut in the 2011-13 operating budget, lawmakers chose to hold it until today and not use up valuable floor time in debate (which might result in fewer bills passing).
The bill passed 88-9, with several House Republicans voting against. Members voiced concerns about possible impacts to districts that receive local effort assistance and how this might widen the gap in districts that receive LEA and those that don't.
The Senate sends out what's called an "Order of Consideration," a notice that indicates which bills will be considered next. So far, nothing education-related.
The bill had been scheduled for action yesterday during "education day," but since passing the bill would acknowledge that K-12 will be cut in the 2011-13 operating budget, lawmakers chose to hold it until today and not use up valuable floor time in debate (which might result in fewer bills passing).
The bill passed 88-9, with several House Republicans voting against. Members voiced concerns about possible impacts to districts that receive local effort assistance and how this might widen the gap in districts that receive LEA and those that don't.
The Senate sends out what's called an "Order of Consideration," a notice that indicates which bills will be considered next. So far, nothing education-related.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Leg. Update: House works through day/evening on education issues
Wednesday’s floor action in the House was set aside to run education-related bills. As of 6:30 p.m., the House had acted on 20 bills, with at least six still left on the bar when they broke for caucus in the evening. They reconvened about an hour later, and took up one education bill, followed by a series of other issues.
One of the most controversial bills passed out of the House today was E2SHB 1443. The debate raged over adoption of national common core standards. Last year, the Legislature adopted a bill that allowed OSPI to provisionally adopt the common core standards. If the Legislature doesn’t act to stop it, OSPI is allowed to adopt the standards.
Read the full update.
One of the most controversial bills passed out of the House today was E2SHB 1443. The debate raged over adoption of national common core standards. Last year, the Legislature adopted a bill that allowed OSPI to provisionally adopt the common core standards. If the Legislature doesn’t act to stop it, OSPI is allowed to adopt the standards.
Read the full update.
House considers education council bill
The House returned to business about 7:40 p.m. to take up SHB 1849, the House alternative to the Governor's education restructuring bill. Two amendments proposed by Rep. Cathy Dahlquist, R-Enumclaw, were adopted to a proposed substitute.
The floor striker offered by bill sponsor Rep. Kathy Haigh, D-Shelton, changes the underlying bill. A council would still be created, but the focus of the council would be on making recommendations for restructuring state agencies to create a student-focused, seamless education system. This is in contrast to the idea of pre-determining that a single state entity is the best way to go at this time.
Speaking to her bill, Haigh said one of the largest challenges will be to have better communication and coordination between higher education and K-12. She acknowledged the good work being done between early learning and K-12, and suggested that the same should be carried forward with higher education and particularly grades 9-12.
Rep. Bruce Dammeier, R-Puyallup, spoke in favor of the bill, saying it would allow a thoughtful, deliberative examination of the various state entities involved in education. Dammeier said it would be a fresh look at the system, and he hoped it would come back with recommendations for a more nimble education system. One caution was about the fiscal note and whether it represented the true amount needed to carry forward the bill.
The bill passed 64-32.
The floor striker offered by bill sponsor Rep. Kathy Haigh, D-Shelton, changes the underlying bill. A council would still be created, but the focus of the council would be on making recommendations for restructuring state agencies to create a student-focused, seamless education system. This is in contrast to the idea of pre-determining that a single state entity is the best way to go at this time.
Speaking to her bill, Haigh said one of the largest challenges will be to have better communication and coordination between higher education and K-12. She acknowledged the good work being done between early learning and K-12, and suggested that the same should be carried forward with higher education and particularly grades 9-12.
Rep. Bruce Dammeier, R-Puyallup, spoke in favor of the bill, saying it would allow a thoughtful, deliberative examination of the various state entities involved in education. Dammeier said it would be a fresh look at the system, and he hoped it would come back with recommendations for a more nimble education system. One caution was about the fiscal note and whether it represented the true amount needed to carry forward the bill.
The bill passed 64-32.
More action on education bills
E2SHB 1776 would set up an interagency process to develop a licensing process for child care facilities in publicly owned or operated buildings with existing pre-kindergarten or schoolage children. The bill passed 62-35.
2SHB 1163 would continue the work of the anti-bullying and harassment work group to make recommendations that would help make sure school district policies get translated and transferred into the classrooms and at the school level. For a review of the conversation, watch TVW around the 4:40 p.m. -4:55 p.m. timeframe, which includes some concerns about what the appropriate next step after adopting anti-bullying policies should be. The bill passed 76-21.
2SHB 1163 would continue the work of the anti-bullying and harassment work group to make recommendations that would help make sure school district policies get translated and transferred into the classrooms and at the school level. For a review of the conversation, watch TVW around the 4:40 p.m. -4:55 p.m. timeframe, which includes some concerns about what the appropriate next step after adopting anti-bullying policies should be. The bill passed 76-21.
House continues to act on education bills
HB 1510 would implement a standardized assessment of kids in state-funded all-day kindergarten in the 2012-13 school year.
Speaking in favor of the bill were bill sponsor Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Shoreline, Rep. Marcie Maxwell, D-Renton, and Rep. Pat Sullivan, D-Covington. All spoke in support of the assessments, and how a uniform assessment would help make a difference in making sure teachers know the skills and abilities of incoming kindergarteners.
Rep. Bruce Dammeier, R-Puyallup, said he would be voting against for two reasons: It is a new program, rolling out a new requirement on school districts, and it has a $1.5 million fiscal note. There is nothing that prevents a school district or kindergarten teacher to do this voluntarily. His concerns were echoed by Rep. Larry Haler, R-Richland, and Rep. Cathy Dahlquist, R-Enumclaw. Rep. Norma Smith, R-Whidbey Island, said this was not about the idea so much as the fiscal impact and requiring districts to do something they don't have the funding to do.
Kagi said that the private sector is willing to pay for 1/3rd of the cost of the program and that there was an expectation that they should be able to measure the success of the early learning (ECEAP) program.
The bill passed 59-38.
Speaking in favor of the bill were bill sponsor Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Shoreline, Rep. Marcie Maxwell, D-Renton, and Rep. Pat Sullivan, D-Covington. All spoke in support of the assessments, and how a uniform assessment would help make a difference in making sure teachers know the skills and abilities of incoming kindergarteners.
Rep. Bruce Dammeier, R-Puyallup, said he would be voting against for two reasons: It is a new program, rolling out a new requirement on school districts, and it has a $1.5 million fiscal note. There is nothing that prevents a school district or kindergarten teacher to do this voluntarily. His concerns were echoed by Rep. Larry Haler, R-Richland, and Rep. Cathy Dahlquist, R-Enumclaw. Rep. Norma Smith, R-Whidbey Island, said this was not about the idea so much as the fiscal impact and requiring districts to do something they don't have the funding to do.
Kagi said that the private sector is willing to pay for 1/3rd of the cost of the program and that there was an expectation that they should be able to measure the success of the early learning (ECEAP) program.
The bill passed 59-38.
House finally reconvenes, takes up common core again
The House has reconvened, after an hour recess and nearly two hours of caucusing over education-related bills scheduled for action today.
When we last left the House, they had just heard an amendment on SHB 1443, a bill that would implement recommendations made by the Quality Education Council in its December report. Rep. Brad Klippert, R-Richland, had moved an amendment to authorize OSPI to adopt the common core standards no earlier than July 1, 2013.
When we last left the House, they had just heard an amendment on SHB 1443, a bill that would implement recommendations made by the Quality Education Council in its December report. Rep. Brad Klippert, R-Richland, had moved an amendment to authorize OSPI to adopt the common core standards no earlier than July 1, 2013.
House discusses amendment to slow down adoption of common core
HB 1443 - This bill would put in place recommendations from Quality Education Council.
An amendment proposed by Rep. Glenn Anderson, R-Fall City, would require that before OSPI adopts the common core standards, the department would take two years to do a check on what this will cost at the local school district level and at the state level. Anderson argued that it was not unreasonable to determine what the costs to local school districts would be and give the parents time to learn and understand what adoption of common core would be.
An amendment proposed by Rep. Glenn Anderson, R-Fall City, would require that before OSPI adopts the common core standards, the department would take two years to do a check on what this will cost at the local school district level and at the state level. Anderson argued that it was not unreasonable to determine what the costs to local school districts would be and give the parents time to learn and understand what adoption of common core would be.
House votes affirmatively on three education bills
The House has passed three bills, including:
HB 1519 - 97-0. This bill would require OSPI to work with teachers and special education programs to develop a better assessment system for students with cognitive difficulties.
HB 1703 - 97-0. This bill was amended to have OSPI do fiscal notes for school districts out of existing resources and when OSPI determines it as practicable.
Unfortunately, while the amendment removes the fiscal impact of the original bill, it lets OSPI decide when they will write about the fiscal impacts on school districts and keeps the existing practice in place.
The original bill would have built on the foundation of what is presently in process - and much appreciated - between OSPI and WASBO. We'll hope that we can continue to work on the bill to ensure that the impact of legislative decisions on school districts is formalized and that legislators know what the impact of their decisions would be before taking action.
HB 1491 - 97-0. This bill changes the membeship of the early learning advisory council.
HB 1519 - 97-0. This bill would require OSPI to work with teachers and special education programs to develop a better assessment system for students with cognitive difficulties.
HB 1703 - 97-0. This bill was amended to have OSPI do fiscal notes for school districts out of existing resources and when OSPI determines it as practicable.
Unfortunately, while the amendment removes the fiscal impact of the original bill, it lets OSPI decide when they will write about the fiscal impacts on school districts and keeps the existing practice in place.
The original bill would have built on the foundation of what is presently in process - and much appreciated - between OSPI and WASBO. We'll hope that we can continue to work on the bill to ensure that the impact of legislative decisions on school districts is formalized and that legislators know what the impact of their decisions would be before taking action.
HB 1491 - 97-0. This bill changes the membeship of the early learning advisory council.
House comes to order, action on education legislation starts
After more than 90 minutes of caucus, the House of Representatives has come to order to address a long list of education bills on the docket today. Tune into TVW to watch the action. For the next 30 minutes or so, the following bills (plus some others) are up for action:
HB 1519 - cognitive disabilities
HB 1703 - school district fiscal notes
HB 1491 - membership of the early learning council
HB 1519 - cognitive disabilities
HB 1703 - school district fiscal notes
HB 1491 - membership of the early learning council
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Leg. Update: Education bills scheduled for action in the House
While a handful of bills have been on the floor calendar for a while, House leadership “pulled” many education-related bills from the House Rules Committee today in an effort to spend the majority of Wednesday, March 2, on education legislation.
Included in the package pull were eight bills most education advocates are tracking. The list of K-12 bills on tomorrow’s schedule is reflected below. In a few instances, bill sponsors are offering amendments to their own bill. In other situations, opponents have written amendments designed to either weigh the bill down (and eat up valuable time) or to get a change they support.
Read the full update.
Included in the package pull were eight bills most education advocates are tracking. The list of K-12 bills on tomorrow’s schedule is reflected below. In a few instances, bill sponsors are offering amendments to their own bill. In other situations, opponents have written amendments designed to either weigh the bill down (and eat up valuable time) or to get a change they support.
Read the full update.
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