Budget and 24-credit agreement reached - I think

After a marathon negotiating session that ended around 3 a.m. but continued until about 5:30 a.m., it would appear there is a budget agreement on the big pieces. Negotiators are meeting now to discuss the various provisos, which could include the federal forest funding which is referenced in SB 6002 Section 502. In a good sign, however, HB 2207 was pulled from the House Rules committee and is ready for a vote.

Also appearing to have reached agreement among the four corners is SB 6552 which, among many objectives, would authorize a 24-credit diploma starting with the graduating class of 2019 but offer a waiver of up to two years for districts that need more implementation time.

The "Hunt" amendment is available for review and includes the following - all of which are supported by WSSDA:

1. Authorize the 24 credit diploma for the graduating class of 2019, but allow districts to complete an application to the State Board of Education to move implementation to 2020 or 2021. The SBE would be required to grant the waiver from 2019 at the next SBE meeting.

2. Require school districts to grant a CTE course equivalency for at least one math or science class.

3. Allow school district boards of directors to adopt a policy that would allow a two-credit waiver of the 24 credits for individual students under exceptional circumstances. WSSDA would be required to develop a model policy by June 30, 2015.

4. Direct the Office of the Education Ombuds to convene a task force to review barriers to the 24-credit diploma for students with special needs.

5. Make the culminating project voluntary.

All of the changes listed above have been advocated by WSSDA and the Washington CTE association the past week and past few days. The Washington PTA also has been working with us on all except the amendment related to making the culminating project voluntary.This morning LEV agreed to the changes and has been actively supporting the Hunt amendment.

Stay tuned!