HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	246
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
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 in 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 the department of education to fund certain critical positions at each department school.

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

"§302A-    Public schools; minimum staffing levels. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, the department shall employ at each department school at least:

(1) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) counselor;

(2) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) vice principal; and

(3) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) media specialist."

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 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for carrying out the purposes of this Act; provided that the funds appropriated by this Act shall be in addition to, rather than instead of, existing budgetary appropriations for each department school.

The sums 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 on July 1, 2023.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Department of Education; Mandatory Staff Positions; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the department of education to employ one full-time equivalent counselor, vice principal, and media specialist at each department school. Appropriates funds.

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