Report Title:

Board of Education; Task Force

Description:

Establishes a task force to investigate the restructuring of the board of education.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1721
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

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 education is a vital component to the State's future.  An educated society results in a strong economy and workforce.  There has been much criticism of Hawaii's existing educational system with many ideas and recommendations on how to improve it.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a task force to review and investigate the current structure and practices of the board of education, and determine the feasibility on adopting alternative practice models to restructure the board.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established a task force to examine options to restructure the board of education in Hawaii.

     (b)  The task force shall include members as follows:

     (1)  A member to be appointed by the governor;

     (2)  A member to be appointed by the president of the senate; and

     (3)  A member to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.

     (c)  The duties of the task force shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  Reviewing the efficacy of the existing election procedure for members to serve on the board of education and determine the feasibility of eliminating the election structure;

     (2)  Reviewing and determining the feasibility of authorizing the governor to appoint the superintendent of the department of education as a cabinet member;

     (3)  Reviewing the existing activities, policies, directives, and rules relating to the board of education;

     (4)  Reviewing other applicable jurisdictions' activities, policies, directives, and rules relating to their boards of education, and deriving best practice models therefrom; and

     (5)  Establishing findings and recommendations on how the board of education may improve or restructure its existing practice model.

     (d)  The task force shall submit its findings and recommendations to the legislature, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2008 regular session.

     (e)  The University of Hawaii shall provide the research and organizational support services necessary to assist the task force in achieving its purpose as required under this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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