Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education and Military Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 282 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Board of Education to create policies to grant school credit to the student member of the Board of Education.

Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by the Board of Education, Hawaii State Teachers Association, Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, and an individual.

Your Committee recognizes the value of community service as an important part of a student's educational experience. Encouraging civic responsibility in youth is paramount to fostering an appreciation for civic awareness of social issues, and involvement in those issues can continue into adulthood. Board of Education members have attested to the dedication of the student board members. In addition to maintaining an academic workload, the student board member can participate in up to six standing committees and two general business meetings, as well as the regular committee meetings each month. Creating a policy to grant school credit for the student board member's participation would strengthen the community service component in public schools.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 282, and recommends its adoption.