Sen. Hawkins Legislation to Address Learning Loss Growing

12th District State Senator Brad Hawkins says his bill that was originally designed to create a pilot program for school districts to re-examine their calendars has become one of the more significant pieces of legislation during this session.

He says it does carry a $300 million price tag.

"The lead budget writer in the Senate added an amendment to it because what we want to do is position this bill to take advantage of some of the federal funds that are coming down the pipeline. Things you've heard about with President Biden, if he's able to pass another stimulus package that has opportunities specifically for education funding."

He says they may also be able to take advantage of state funding for education that hasn't been allocated.

The bill originally started as one to create a pilot program to allow a re-imagining of the school calendar, but as it changed, the cost went up.

"Because it has a potentially larger price tag, it might slow the bill down but I don't think it necessarily jeopardizes it. If the bill passes in its current form it would likely need to be factored into the full Senate budget as part of the bill that would partner with the budget."

The bill would:

• Fund three additional instructional days to all districts statewide in the 2021-22 school year.
• Direct the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to create and administer a grant program to assist school districts in facilitating a weeklong “reengagement” program prior to the start of the 2021-22 school year for students to reconnect with peers and teachers through learning, physical activity, and social interaction.
• Direct OSPI to administer a grant program to fund up to five days of additional education opportunities in preparation for the 2021-22 school year for lower-income districts.
• Advance a “balanced school calendar” program to allow up to 20 school districts to explore using their 180 state-funded school days differently to implement an 11-month school calendar beginning in the 2022-23 school year.

Hear the full conversation from Thursday's Morning Report: