September 2014
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 2014
# 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 $32,844.
FY 14 Funding: State Appropriation: $45,000
Federal Appropriation: $ 0
Other fund sources: $ 0______
TOTAL (FY13) $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 ($32,844 for 2013-14), 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 will be submitted December 1, 2014, to provide guidance to the legislature regarding future 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 / AmountFY14 / $45,000
FY13 / $45,000
FY12 / $45,000
FY 11 / $45,000
FY 10 / $44,000
9. Programmatic changes since inception (if any): This program is delivered in partnership with Secondary Education and Student Support.
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: 3ESSB 5034 Section 501 (1)(g) $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).