The bill establishes a new grant program to provide financial assistance to small, financially distressed school districts in Washington that typically do not participate in the existing school construction assistance program. It introduces a new section to chapter 28A.525 RCW, which sets eligibility criteria for grants limited to districts with a student enrollment of 1,000 or fewer. The projects eligible for funding must focus on modernizing or replacing instructional buildings that are at least 30 years old and in poor condition, while adhering to specific cost limitations. Each school district must submit separate applications for each school, and the grant funds can be used for planning, design, and project-related costs, excluding administrative expenses.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 28A.525.159 to prioritize applications from small school districts and state-tribal education compact schools, particularly those that are financially distressed. The superintendent of public instruction is tasked with proposing a prioritized list of grants to the governor every two years, starting in 2024, based on criteria such as financial capacity, facility conditions, and student enrollment. The bill also emphasizes the need for coordination with the existing school construction assistance program to ensure that total state funding does not exceed project costs minus the school district's share. It outlines that the office of the superintendent of public instruction will be responsible for awarding grants, which will only be granted once sufficient local resources are identified, and includes reporting requirements for tracking the condition of schools and project outcomes.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.525.159
Substitute Bill: 28A.525.159