HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2624
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to magnet schools.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that there is a need to create more educational opportunities for children in the public school system.  While the legislature recognizes the reforms to the educational system brought about by the establishment of public charter schools, it also finds that there is room for further exploration of diverse methods of innovation in the public schools, particularly at the high school level.  The legislature further finds that over two million students are enrolled in approximately four thousand magnet schools across the nation, in thirty-two states.

     The purpose of this Act is to authorize the department of education to establish magnet schools.

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

     "§302A-    Magnet schools; establishment. (a)  As a part of the public school system, the department may establish and maintain magnet schools with a program of instruction designed to serve student populations with specialized interests and aptitudes; provided that the department shall give priority to establishing magnet secondary schools.

(b)  The department may use a selective admission process to ensure the enrollment of students who:

(1) Have a common set of specialized interests or aptitudes;

(2) Reside in a single departmental school district or in several departmental school districts; and

(3) Otherwise possess diverse demographic characteristics in terms of socio-economic background."

     SECTION 3.  Section 302A-101, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

     ""Magnet school" means a public elementary school or public secondary school that offers a special curriculum capable of attracting substantial numbers of students with diverse demographic backgrounds."

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

DOE; Magnet Schools

Description:

Authorizes the DOE to create magnet schools.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.