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 S.B. No. 638 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to propose a state constitutional amendment to allow the student member of the Board of Education to vote, except on issues pertaining to personnel of fiscal matters.

Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by the Department of Education and Board of Education.

Your Committee finds that the student Board of Education member provides a valuable perspective and insight on educational needs that adult board members may not have. While student board members enhance the board's understanding and knowledge of current school issues and student concerns, they are not afforded a vote as are all the other official members. Throughout the years, the student board members have shown themselves equally committed to the public education system and should be allowed a more practical role as an official member of the board.

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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 638 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.