WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Lawmaker introduces measure to increase oversight and advocacy of public education system

Rep. Kathy Haigh proposes establishing the Washington State Education Council

 

OLYMPIA – In an effort to improve the accountability, efficiency and advocacy of Washington state’s public education system, Rep. Kathy Haigh (D-Shelton) is sponsoring House Bill 1849.

“As we continue to manage the fallout of the national recession, we must also find ways to continue providing our young people with a quality education,” Haigh said. “This is a way to incorporate vital input while moving forward with improving our current education system.”

Haigh’s HB 1849 provides an alternative to creating a Department of Education under the governor’s authority, which was recently proposed. Instead, HB 1849 establishes the Washington State Education Council to provide oversight and advocacy of public education including early learning, kindergarten through 12th grade in the common schools, and the community college and higher education institutions.

The Council’s responsibilities would include recommending policies and strategies to provide a student-focused education system with seamless service delivery across all education sectors and entities. The Council would be required to develop a plan to restructure the duties and responsibilities of public education-related state agencies by Dec. 5, 2012.

Chaired by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Council would include nine members appointed by the governor, nine appointed by the superintendent, and four legislators.

House Bill 1849 was referred to the House Education Appropriations and Oversight Committee.