September 2015
Interstate Compact for Educational Opportunities for Military Children
1.
Purpose/objective: The intent of this legislation (SSB 5248, 2009 Session) is to remove barriers to
educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and
deployment of their parents by: facilitating timely enrollment; facilitating the student placement
process; facilitating the on-time graduation; providing uniform collection of sharing of information
between and among states, schools, and military families in the compact; and, promoting overall
flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents, and the student in order to
achieve education success for the student.
The Interstate Compact was developed in an effort to reduce the educational and emotional issues
encountered when children of military personnel are required to transfer from schools in one state
to another. The Compact was drafted by a group of educators, parents, state education officials,
and military personnel under the sponsorship of the Council of State Governments (CSG). It
addresses differences in requirements among states including immunization requirements, the
entrance ages for kindergarten and first grade, exit exams, and graduation requirements. It also
includes provisions that pertain to the issues military children who transfer schools encounter in
participating in extracurricular activities, course placement, and enrollment in highly capable
programs, Advanced Placements (AP), and career and technical education (CTE).
2.
Number of staff associated with this program/service (indicate where applicable):
Fiscal Year 2015
# of OSPI staff associated with this funding (FTEs):
0.06
# of contractors/other staff associated with this funding: 8 - 10 Council Members
NOTE: includes Interstate Compact fee of $32,095.
FY 15 Funding: State Appropriation:
Federal Appropriation:
Other fund sources:
TOTAL (FY15)
$45,000
$0
$ 0______
$45,000
3.
Are federal or other funds contingent on state funding? If yes, explain. No
4.
Is continued funding needed in the next biennium? Yes, to continue to pay the Interstate Compact
fees ($32,095 for 2014-15), as well as support the work of the State Interstate Compact Council on
Military Children.
5.
What is the current status of this program’s implementation? A bulletin announcing the Interstate
Compact was published September 30, 2009. The State Interstate Compact Council on Military
Children met for the first time on December 16, 2009. The Interstate Compact went into effect
January 1, 2010. The Interstate Compact Council meets 2 – 3 times per year to monitor Compact
implementation and respond to issues. A legislative report was submitted December 1, 2014, to
recommend to the legislature continued involvement in the Compact.
6.
When will the project be completed? On-going
7.
First year funded? FY2010
8.
State funding since inception:
Fiscal Year
FY15
FY14
FY13
FY12
FY 11
FY 10
Amount
$45,000
$45,000
$45,000
$45,000
$45,000
$44,000
9.
Programmatic changes since inception (if any): This program is delivered in partnership with
Secondary Education.
10.
Major challenges faced by the program: There is some discrepancy between the Interstate Compact
language and the Washington State law. Specifically, “when space is available” was added to
sections regarding placement of students coming into the state.
11.
Future opportunities: Efforts of the Compact council and staff will focus on the creation of materials
for schools explaining the Compact and district technical assistance.
12.
Statutory and/or Budget language:
RCW 28A.705.000:
An OSPI staff person will serve as a member of the State Interstate Compact Council on Military
Children. OSPI will also serve as the fiscal agent and provide staff support to the State Interstate
Compact Council on Military Children.
Budget Proviso: ESSB 6052 Section1 501 (1)(g), page 456, $45,000 of the general fund--state
appropriation for fiscal year 2014 and $45,000 of the general fund--state appropriation for fiscal year
2015 are provided solely for the implementation chapter 380, Laws of 2009 (enacting the interstate
compact on educational opportunity for military children).