The authority for this chapter is RCW 28A.600.390, which authorizes the superintendent of public instruction, the state board for community and technical colleges, and the higher education coordinating board to jointly develop and adopt rules governing RCW 28A.600.300 through 28A.600.380, and 28A.150.260 and 28A.150.290 which authorize the superintendent of public instruction to adopt rules governing basic education allocation moneys. The rules set forth in this chapter have been jointly developed and agreed upon by the three agencies, and adopted and codified in separate chapters of the Washington Administrative Code by each of the three agencies. The rules may be modified only by agreement of all three agencies.

The purpose of this chapter is to set forth policies and procedures governing the running start program.

Each school district shall annually provide general information respecting the running start program to all tenth and eleventh grade students of the school district and their parents and guardians.

Prior to September 1 of each school year, the superintendent of public instruction shall calculate uniform statewide rates for allocating state basic education moneys for nonvocational and vocational running start enrollment in consultation with state board for community and technical college staff. Calculations shall be based on assumptions used in the state Operating Appropriations Act for the school year. Rates shall equal the average basic education formula generated amount per nonvocational and vocational AAFTE ninth through twelfth grade student for the school year excluding enhancements provided for small schools.

This chapter shall not affect the alternative enrollment, and arrangements therefor, of a secondary student in a community college or technical college pursuant to a contractual agreement entered into pursuant to RCW 28B.50.530 (interschool district/college district cooperative programs) and chapter 39.34 RCW (the Interlocal Cooperation Act). See WAC 392-121-183 (Contracting with an educational institution other than a school district).

WAC 392-169-005 through 392-169-125, inclusive of the 1995 amendments thereto and the repeal of WAC 392-169-035 are hereby adopted by reference.

Adopting running start rule revisions by reference to amended sections WAC 392-169-025; 392-169-030; 392-169-055; 392-169-057; and 392-169-060, filed by the office of the superintendent of public instruction by WSR 99-13-124, filed 6/16/99.