HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2150
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
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 small schools provide more individualized attention to students and greater student engagement opportunities that support student achievement. However, small schools must maintain minimum administrative and support services to operate their schools while balancing limited fiscal resources that place constraints on the allocation of resources which often affects the way classes are organized and students are taught. The legislature also finds that some small schools in the State do not have the funds to hire at least one teacher per grade level.

The purpose of this Act is to require at least one teacher for each grade level in grades kindergarten through six in each public school in the State with a student enrollment of one hundred fifty students or less, excluding charter schools, and to appropriate funds for this purpose.

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

"§302A-    Small schools; teachers per grade level; requirements. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, the department shall employ at least one full-time equivalent (1.0) teacher for each grade level in grades kindergarten through six in each small school.

For purposes of this section, "small school" means any school established and maintained by the department, excluding charter schools, with a student enrollment of one hundred fifty or less students."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

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

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

DOE; Small Schools; Teacher Per Grade Level; Requirement; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the DOE to employ at least one full-time equivalent teacher for each grade level in grades kindergarten through six in each public school with a student enrollment of one hundred fifty or less students, excluding charter schools, beginning with the 2020-2021 school year. Appropriates funds.

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