STAND. COM. REP. NO. 913

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 553

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 553 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to provide funding to remote schools on a more equitable basis.

     Specifically, the measure:

(1)  Requires that remote schools be allocated funds using categorical allotments, rather than through the weighted student formula;

(2)  Defines a remote school as any public school that is a high school located at least a one-hour drive away from the next nearest high school, or a high school located on the island of Lanai, Molokai, or Niihau; and

(3)  Specifies minimum numbers and types of teachers for Hana High and Elementary School.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Teachers Association.  Written comments in opposition were received from the Department of Education.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1)  Deleting provisions that required remote schools to receive funds based only on categorical allotments, not on the weighted student formula;

(2)  Deleting provisions relating to specific staffing requirements for remote schools;

(3)  Codifying a provision authorizing supplemental categorical funding for remote schools; and

(4)  Making an appropriation for the funding of remote schools.

     Your Committee notes that the provision of supplemental funds to schools on a categorical basis has occurred in the past, and that such a funding mechanism is likely to benefit schools besides Hana High and Elementary School.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 553, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 553, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair