Appropriates funds for parent-community networking centers throughout the State.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that there are four phases of development in a comprehensive parent-community networking center (PCNC) system of support for students, parents, and teachers. Phases I and II begin with the establishment of a PCNC at the school-building level. The part-time PCNC facilitator offers parents, students, and the community many opportunities to relate with one another, heighten the awareness of their strengths and needs, and learn from and support each other. In so doing, all participants create an overall sense of ohana that is particularly conducive to learning. Phases III and IV focus on strengthening each classroom unit as a learning community where teachers and parents form very meaningful partnerships to ensure the students' well-being and achievement of performance standards.

Evaluations indicate that the one hundred sixty-seven PCNCs, funded at $14,532 per school for phases I and II, have improved school-community relations, instilled positive changes in attitude among teachers and parents, and increased the numbers of parents involved in the education of Hawaii's youth. Having generated resources and services for the schools that total four times the amount spent on the program, the PCNC is also the most cost-effective program in the department of education.

Unfortunately, funding for phases I and II of PCNCs is not evenly applied across the state. In many schools, PCNC funding is dismal or absent. Forty-five schools receive only $3,300 each year, and the remaining forty-eight schools receive no funding.

Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to ensure that every public school except Keanae in Maui which has six students and Niihau school, which is also a small school, has at least $14,532 to fund a PCNC program at the school-building level, including an initial part-time parent facilitator, equipment, telephone, and supplies.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,171,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002 and the sum of $1,171,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003 to be distributed as follows:

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.