Report Title:

Schools; Weighted Student Formula

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to assist geographically isolated schools under the weighted student formula.

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

3256

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

making an appropriation to assist geographically isolated schools under the weighted student formula.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the cost of providing educational programs and services is significantly higher for geographically isolated schools.  Large schools tend to benefit from economies of scale while geographically isolated schools operate at a higher cost per pupil due to necessary fixed expenditures and low student enrollment.  In comparison to schools that are geographically located near other schools and to schools with high student enrollment, geographically isolated schools have comparatively fewer resources available to them.

     The weighted student formula for school year 2008-2009 includes a school size adjustment based on a sliding scale that provides an additional subsidy to schools as their student enrollment increases.  Geographic isolation and a school's location on a neighbor island are also recognized as student characteristics considered under the weighted student formula per pupil allocation.  The legislature further finds that the combination of low student enrollment and geographic isolation merits supplemental funding to offset higher costs per pupil required to operate geographically isolated schools with low enrollment.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to assist students of geographically isolated schools to explore academic enhancement.

     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 2008-2009 for school-based budgeting, as an additional amount for travel and associated costs, to assist students of geographically isolated schools to explore academic enhancement.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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