Allocates greater percentage of moneys to direct classroom expenses.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that reforms of the public education system continue. The latest set of reforms set forth in Act 51, Session Laws of Hawaii 2004, are being undertaken. One specific reform of Act 51 that has far-reaching consequences for public education is the weighted student formula. The weighted student formula is a device meant to provide equitable funding to schools based on student needs. Originally, the concept was tied with a need for improved leadership at the school level and allowing principals greater control over a greater portion of their school budget, i.e., discretionary spending.

The legislature further finds that since the passage of Act 51, Session Laws of Hawaii 2004, the committee on weights has met, deliberated, and made their recommendations to the board of education. The percentage of the education budget that will reach the school and classroom level under that determination, however, is little better than the status quo. The amount of discretionary spending for principals will not markedly increase, ensuring conformity as opposed to fostering innovation and flexibility. The purpose of this Act is to allocate more moneys to the school level in order to facilitate the reforms set forth in Act 51, Session Laws of Hawaii 2204.

SECTION 2. Section 302A-1303.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[§302A-1303.5] Committee on weights. (a) There is established within the department of education the committee on weights to develop a weighted student formula pursuant to section 302A-1303.6. The committee shall:

(b) The composition of the committee on weights shall be determined by the board of education based on recommendations from the superintendent of education and dean of the University of Hawaii at Manoa college of education and include principals, teachers, and other members with the appropriate professional skills, experiences, and qualifications needed to facilitate the work of the committee. The superintendent or the superintendent's designee shall chair the committee on weights.

(c) The committee on weights may form advisory subcommittees to obtain input from key stakeholders as determined necessary by the committee.

(d) The members of the committee on weights shall serve at the pleasure of the board of education and shall not be subject to section 26-34. Members of the committee on weights shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties."

SECTION 3. Section 302A-1303.6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[§302A-1303.6] Weighted student formula. [Section effective July 1, 2006.] Based upon recommendations from the committee on weights, the board of education, not less than annually, shall adopt a weighted student formula for the allocation of moneys to public schools which takes into account the educational needs of each student. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the board of education shall adopt a weighted student formula that allocates operating moneys of at least sixty-five per cent of the money allocated to the department of education for fiscal year 2006-2007, seventy per cent of the money allocated to the department of education for fiscal year 2007-2008, eighty per cent of the money allocated to the department of education for fiscal year 2008-2009, and ninety per cent of the money allocated to the department of education for fiscal year 2009-2010 and beyond. The department, upon the receipt of appropriated moneys, shall use the weighted student formula to allocate funds to public schools. Principals shall expend moneys provided to the principals' schools. This section shall only apply to new century charter schools and new century conversion charter schools for fiscal years in which the new century charter schools and new century conversion charter schools elect pursuant to section 302A-1182.5 to receive allocations according to the weighted student formula."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.