Report Title:
Education; Information Technology; Information Systems
Description:
Appropriates funds to the department of education for information technology staff and infrastructure. (SD2)
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3093 |
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TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that a series of information technology initiatives have been started that will significantly streamline and raise the automation level of key department of education operational processes. These initiatives include:
(1) A comprehensive and centralized student information system that provides for longitudinal student tracking, implementation of the standards-based report card, and automating a number of administrative procedures currently done manually at the school level;
(2) A human resources system that includes streamlining the recruiting and hiring process and automating time and attendance;
(3) The integration of three separate and fragmented student support systems currently implemented as the comprehensive student support system, integrated special education system, and the safe school information system; and
(4) A comprehensive and centralized list of capital improvement projects.
All of these systems will use the latest web-based technology, necessitating a comprehensive network, data center, and security infrastructure along with support staff to respond to critical concerns and training. These systems will be online, real-time systems impacting the productivity of department of education employees from the classroom to office staff.
As the department of education undergoes dramatic change in implementing Act 51, Session Laws of Hawaii 2004, the additional workload required will be offset by the productivity increases provided by the successful running of these new applications.
The legislature notes that the department of education initiatives respond to the findings of the Hawaii Business Roundtable that the department of education does not have the technology needed to generate meaningful data to measure the effectiveness of Act 51. The Business Roundtable has therefore recommended immediate funding for a comprehensive financial management system, human resources system, and a student performance system.
While data is important to guiding policy decisions, data does not drive change. Well-informed and well-supported staff using data are the agents of change. A comprehensive environment that includes financial management, human resources, and student performance information systems is necessary for staff to do their jobs. This systems approach to information technology would help to effect the kind of changes outlined in Act 51.
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, to provide for information system infrastructure to implement initiatives required by Act 51, Session Laws of Hawaii 2004, and to streamline and raise the automation level of key operational processes in the department of education, including the integration of currently separate student information systems, network and data center upgrades, information technology staff positions, software licenses, and contracted services.
SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.