THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	894
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to education.

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

SECTION 1.  Section 302A-1303.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§302A-1303.5  Committee on weights.  (a)  There is established within the department of education the committee on weights to develop a weighted student formula pursuant to section 302A-1303.6.  The committee may:

(1) Create a list of [student characteristics] factors that will be weighted[;] including but not limited to student characteristics, enrollment trends, and optimal student-teacher ratios;

(2) Create a system of weights based upon the student characteristics that may be applied to determine the relative cost of educating any student;

(3) Determine the optimal student-teacher ratio for each grade level from kindergarten through grade twelve;

    [(3)] (4) Determine specific student weights, including their unit value;

    [(4)] (5) Determine which moneys shall be included in the amount of funds to be allocated through the weighted student formula;

    [(5)] (6) Recommend a weighted student formula to the board of education;

    [(6)] (7) Perform any other function that may facilitate the implementation of the weighted student formula; and

    [(7)] (8) Meet not less than once every odd-numbered year, to review the weighted student formula and, if the committee deems it necessary, recommend a new weighted student formula for adoption by the board of education.

(b)  When developing the weighted student formula, the committee shall incorporate into the formula:

(1) Weights to account for necessary special education teachers and special education support staff;

(2) Weights to account for anticipated enrollment increases and associated facility concerns; and

(3) Weights representing the optimal student-teacher ratio at each grade level.

[(b)] (c)  The composition of the committee on weights shall be determined by the board of education based on recommendations from the superintendent of education and dean of the University of Hawaii at Manoa college of education and include principals, teachers, and other members with the appropriate professional skills, experiences, and qualifications needed to facilitate the work of the committee.  The superintendent or the superintendent's designee shall chair the committee on weights.

[(c)] (d)  The committee on weights may form advisory subcommittees to obtain input from key stakeholders as determined necessary by the committee.

[(d)] (e)  The members of the committee on weights shall serve at the pleasure of the board of education and shall not be subject to section 26-34.  Members of the committee on weights shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties."

SECTION 2.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Department of Education; Weighted Student Formula

Description:

Allows for several factors to be weighted for the weighted student formula including but not limited to student characteristics, enrollment trends, and optimal student-teacher ratios.  Requires the committee on weights to incorporate into the weighted student formula weights that account for special education teachers and support staff, enrollment increases, and the optimal student-teacher ratio at each grade level.

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