(Members present, FYI – Sullivan, Priest, Kowalkowski, Hyde, Bergeson, Grimm, Dolan, Anderson)
3:35pm-4:05pm
Discussion of proposals, continued
- Accounting and budgeting system
>>Dr. Bergeson asked about the proposed uniform accounting and budgeting system, and if the state needs to create a new system (rather than using a current system or a modified version of a current system). Chair Grimm said that in his proposal it was intended to take a current system that works and use it; the struggles would come in getting everyone to transition to that system. Rep. Anderson cautioned that the transition would take time, maybe 6 years, because districts’ current systems are at various levels.
(Members present, FYI – Tom, Sullivan, Priest, Kowalkowski, Hyde, Bergeson, Grimm, Jarrett, Dolan, Hartmann, Anderson)
- Early learning
>>Dr. Hyde asked about the proposed early learning program. Rep. Priest said they are working on language and will make it available soon (once they’ve finalized it). Dr. Hyde worried that even if they add more ECEAP slots, children may not be any better prepared for kindergarten because some programs are more about nurturing rather than instruction. She would prefer dollars be used to fund educational early learning programs. Sen. Tom said that model would be outside of basic education. Rep. Priest said they hope to address questions around which children should benefit from an early learning program and which programs are research-validated (this will be reflected in their modified proposal). Chair Grimm said he supports the principles Dr. Hyde expressed (programs be educational/instructional).
>>Rep. Priest said they think they’ve addressed the raised issues. He added that they moved administration of early learning funds to OSPI because the program would be part of basic education. Dr. Bergeson said she liked the idea of moving the administration of the early learning program to OSPI (to prevent two departments/agencies from running one program). Rep. Jarrett said they will give the Department of Early Learning the responsibilities of defining the program and identifying acceptable providers.<<
- Oversight and accountability: Discuss SBE’s principles for an accountability system
>>Accountability – Dr. Hyde wondered about the use of the State Board of Education’s proposed accountability system, since the proposed system is still developing. Sen. Tom thought they had agreed to the principles the SBE provided. Chair Grimm said they can either punt the issue to the SBE, or adopt certain principles.<<
>>Oversight – Dr. Hyde felt there should be some entity that provides oversight (does not need to be the CQEW), since OSPI, the SBE and others share oversight (although oversight is not their “day jobs”). Chair Grimm said any other proposals are welcome.<<
