STAND. COM. REP. NO. 132

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                   

 

RE:     S.B. No. 967

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 967 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize and appropriate funds for the State Public Charter School Commission to establish and fund charter school prekindergarten classrooms.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, State Public Charter School Commission, Executive Office on Early Learning, Early Learning Board, Kamehameha Schools, Hawaii Children's Action Network, and Early Childhood Action Strategy.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

 

     Your Committee finds that quality learning experiences in prekindergarten, especially for low-income or at-risk children and their families, have a significant impact on a child's future.  These early learning experiences provide a strong foundation for children, facilitating positive growth in developmental and educational areas.  This measure increases access to quality early education for more children in the State in supporting their academic success.

 

     Your Committee notes that although the appropriation is blank, an appropriation of $4,000,000 is necessary to allow the State Public Charter School Commission to establish and fund charter school prekindergarten classrooms in the State.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 967 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

 

 

 

________________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair