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.
Updates on the Legislature and state government from the Washington State School Directors' Association.
