STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1684

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.C.R. No. 116

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 116 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE COMMITTEE ON WEIGHTS TO RECOMMEND, AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO ADOPT, A WEIGHTED STUDENT FORMULA THAT GIVES GREATER CONSIDERATION TO SMALL AND REMOTE SCHOOLS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request a review of the weighted student formula to consider greater allocations for small and remote rural schools.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education and testimony in support of this measure from Waiahole Elementary School, Pacific American Foundation and seven individuals.

Your Committee finds that the way schools are funded through the weighted student formula creates a disparity for schools that have small populations and are remote. These schools may struggle to meet the minimum staffing needs for their students. As demographics change across the State your Committee finds it appropriate for the Committee on Weights to reevaluate the consideration given to small and remote schools as requested in this measure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 116 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair