SB2669

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2669
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
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 community-based partnerships provide an essential vehicle for achieving the programmatic and policy objectives that can transform education and our public school students. The legislature further finds that, while the department of education currently undertakes efforts to provide opportunities for students to learn, work, and volunteer within the community, a dedicated position for establishing partnerships with businesses and organizations in the community can provide students with extraordinary experiences and knowledge.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a community-based exchange coordinator position in the department of education to facilitate partnerships with businesses and organizations in the community. This Act shall also appropriate funds for the coordinator position, necessary support staff, and supplies and equipment for operations, as well as for enhancing the department of education volunteer website to include sixty-four public schools.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A‑ Community-based exchange coordinator. (a) The department shall establish one permanent civil service exempt full‑time equivalent community-based exchange coordinator position to facilitate and promote volunteerism and community partnerships within the public schools to build sustainable relationships for stronger learning communities and quality education.

(b) The community-based exchange coordinator shall be responsible for nurturing stronger partnerships between the community and the schools through the establishment of partnerships that shall generate, among other things:

(1) Additional funding;

(2) Mentorship opportunities;

(3) Volunteer opportunities;

(4) Internship opportunities;

(5) Tutoring services; and

(6) Professional advice and assistance for robotics and other academic and after-school programs.

(c) Community partnerships may be established with any for-profit, faith-based, private, nonprofit, or other organizations in the community."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for:

(1) One permanent full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) community-based exchange coordinator position as established by this Act;

(2) One permanent full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) administrative assistant to the community-based exchange coordinator position; and

(3) Any necessary travel expenses, equipment, and supplies.

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

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $75,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for the enhancement of the department of education volunteer website to include sixty-four schools.

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

SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________