Creates full-time, permanent technology coordinator positions for each elementary, middle, and high school. Grandfathers in current technology coordinators.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that with the rapid progress of information technology throughout the world, Hawaii's children need to be prepared so they can compete in the global workplace. For an island state like Hawaii, the coordination of information technology at the school level can help students overcome the barriers of geography and limited resources.

Some public schools are currently using a teacher position to serve as the school's technology coordinator. Other schools have temporary or part-time positions. The legislature believes that a permanent, full-time technology coordinator at each school would provide critical assistance with equipment acquisition, technical support, and evaluation of a school's information technology infrastructure.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for a full-time, permanent technology coordinator position at each public elementary, middle, and high school.

SECTION 3. The department of education shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to effectuate the purposes of this Act; provided that current technology coordinators are grandfathered into the new positions created.

SECTION 4. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.