The bill amends RCW 28A.150.222 to expand the eligibility for school districts to receive waivers for the 180-day school year requirement, allowing them to implement flexible school calendars aimed at improving economy and efficiency. The amendments include a requirement for school districts to submit detailed applications that outline their proposed calendars, expected efficiencies, impacts on student services, and potential effects on education support staff. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the state board of education will establish criteria for evaluating these waiver requests, which can be granted for up to three years and may be renewed.

Significantly, the bill increases the number of waivers that can be granted from 10 to 30 for school districts with student populations of less than 1,000, thereby broadening access to these waivers. The previous stipulation reserving two waivers for districts with populations under 150 students has been removed. The superintendent of public instruction is tasked with monitoring the impact of these waivers on student learning, with the authority to revoke the waivers if adverse effects are identified.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.150.222
Substitute Bill: 28A.150.222
Bill as Passed Legislature: 28A.150.222
Session Law: 28A.150.222