The bill seeks to enhance the operational independence of several education agencies in Washington State, including the state board of education, the Washington professional educator standards board, the Washington state charter school commission, and the financial education public-private partnership. It removes the requirement for these agencies to be administratively housed within the office of the superintendent of public instruction, allowing them to secure tailored administrative services. The transition to operational independence is scheduled to begin in July 2025, with full independence expected by July 1, 2026. The bill mandates that these agencies establish their own policies for managing business services and allows them to contract for administrative services as needed.

Key amendments include designating the state board of education and the Washington professional educator standards board as independent state agencies, which highlights their unique roles. The bill requires the transfer of all reports, documents, and assets related to the state board from the superintendent's office, as well as the transfer of employees and existing contracts to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, it outlines governance changes for the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership and the Charter School Commission, emphasizing diversity in appointments and allowing the executive director to manage personnel and contracts. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, unless specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2025, in which case it will be null and void.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.305.130, 28A.300.020, 28A.410.200, 28A.300.450, 28A.710.070
Substitute Bill: 28A.305.130, 28A.300.020, 28A.410.200, 28A.300.450, 28A.710.070