To require the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to staff an advisory committee to review all current basic education funding formulas. The committee must also develop a new funding structure based on recommendations of the Governor’s Washington Learns steering committee and the basic education provisions in current law. The 12-member committee would be responsible for submitting a final report by January 1, 2008. The report must recommend 2-4 basic education funding structure alternatives.   Official Text and Analysis.

To make some technical changes to the task force, including how the members are chosen.

To clarify that all the caucuses will submit names for the remaining members of the task force. Language is also included that states that each of the remaining members chosen must have evidence of significant experience with K-12 financing issues in Washington, including the current funding formulas.

To require the Washington state institute for public policy to staff a joint task force to review the definition of basic education and all current basic education funding formulas and develop a new funding structure and all necessary formulas, and a new definition of basic education.

To require one of the options presented include a funding structure that re-directs and prioritizes within existing resources based on research-proven education programs.

To create, rather than a Joint Task Force with four legislators, seven public members, and a chair appointed by the Governor, a Joint Select Committee of 16 legislators. Support for the Committee is provided by House and Senate staff with assistance as requested from staff in other agencies, rather than provided by the Institute. Rather than having an initial plan within 60 days, a report with options for school employee compensation by September 15, 2007, and a final report by January 1, 2008, the Committee develops a work plan that specifies the issues it will address along with reporting timelines. At a minimum, a report is due December 1, 2007, and December 1, 2008.

To recommend passage with amendment(s) but without amendment(s) by the Education Committee.

To clarify that geginning with the 2009-11 biennium, appropriations for Basic Education funding and other K-12 education purposes must be made in legislation that is separate from the omnibus appropriations act and must be enacted into law before legislative actions are taken on other operating budgets.

To clarify that beginning with the 2009-11 biennium, appropriations for Basic Education funding and other K-12 education purposes must be made in legislation that is separate from the omnibus appropriations act and must be enacted into law before legislative actions are taken on other operating budgets.

Ruled out of order.

To require that rather than considering whether the compensation system for instructional staff should include such elements as pay for performance, recognition of difficult assignments, and other elements, the Task Force must recommend such a compensation system and recommend a plan to implement it.

To require that rather than proposing a new definition of basic education that is realigned with the recommendations of the Washington Learns Steering Committee and current statutory basic education provisions, the Task Force proposes a funding structure, formulas, and a basic education definition that are realigned with the Education Reform Act of 1993 and successor legislation.

To remove the emergency clause.

Ruled out of order.

To strike the original bill and make changes requiring a review and development of basic education funding.

To require that rather than a school superintendent, a school finance officer, and an ESD superintendent, the remaining three members of the Task Force are individuals with significant experience with K-12 finance issues appointed by the Governor. Legislative caucuses of the House and Senate may submit names for the Governor's consideration.

Ruled out of order.

To clarify that the Joint Task Force is comprised of 8 legislators, a chair and 3 three members with significant experience with K-12 finance issues appointed by the Governor, a representative of the Governor's Office or OFM, and the SPI. The original bill had 4 legislators, a chair with business experience and 7 members appointed by the Governor, and the SPI. The Task Force is provided research support by the WSIPP. In conducting research and developing options for consideration by the Task Force, WSIPP consults with stakeholders and experts and may request assistance from LEAP, OSPI, OFM, and legislative research offices. The first report is due September 15, 2007, rather than 60 days after the bill takes effect. The second report is due in December rather than September 2007. The final report is due September 15, 2008 rather than January 1, 2008. References to "outcome-based" formulas are removed. Regional cost-of-living elements are considered for the compensation system. The Joint Task Force, in its consideration of a new definition of basic education, must consider proposed language regarding the goals of the Basic Education Act and make recommendations about whether those proposed goals provide adequate guidance and vision for the state's education system in the 21st century.

To make the Governor the Chair of the Joint Task Force on Basic Education Finance, rather than having a chair appointed by the Governor. Removes the report timelines for all except the final report, which is due December 15, 2007 rather than September 15, 2008.

Ruled out of order.

To make the Governor the Chair of the Joint Task Force on Basic Education Finance, rather than having a chair appointed by the Governor. Removes the report timelines for all except the final report, which is due December 15, 2007 rather than September 15, 2008.