Allows individual schools to establish a K-6 education parental participation program to increase parental involvement in education.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that parental involvement in the education of their children has a positive influence on a child's educational and academic development and achievement. During the 2003 regular session, the house of representatives adopted a resolution requesting the department of education to develop ways to increase parental involvement in education on a school-by-school basis.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A- K-6 education parental participation program. (a) Beginning in the 2005-2006 academic year, the department of education shall establish a K-6 education parental participation program within the public school system that allows individual schools to voluntarily establish parental participation programs.

(b) Individual schools may establish a parental participation program pursuant to this section.

(c) Individual schools that establish a parental participation program pursuant to this section shall establish and keep a record tracking system on parental participation in their child’s education. For example, a school may implement a point system to track parental participation in their child’s education; or to track parent participation on various topics, including the following:

(d) At the beginning of each school year, parents shall deposit a $10 fee for each child registered in kindergarten to grade six at a public school with a program established pursuant to this section. Upon successfully completing the K-6 parental participation program, parents shall receive a refund on their deposit. Otherwise, the deposit shall be deposited into the special account established under subsection (d).

(e) Each school that establishes a parental participation program pursuant to this section shall also establish a special account within its budget to deposit, administer, expend, and refund moneys collected under this section. Any moneys remaining in the special account that are not refunded to parents under subsection (d) may be expended by the school for school supplies needed in the succeeding school year."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.