STAND. COM. REP. NO. 511

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 283

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 283 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL PER-PUPIL FUNDING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to exclude from the charter school per-pupil funding calculation all amounts relating to programs that provide comparable benefits for all public school students regardless of whether the student is a Department of Education school student or a public charter school student.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Teachers Association and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Ka ‘Umeke Kā‘eo Public Charter School, Ke Kula ‘o Samuel M. Kamakau Public Charter School, and one hundred ninety individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Public Charter School Commission and Ke Kula ‘O Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u Iki Lab Public Charter School.

Your Committee finds that adequate funding has been a long-standing issue for Hawaii's public charter schools. Presently, charter schools' per-pupil operating funds cover items such as salaries, collective bargaining costs, curricula, school supplies, equipment, and utilities. Funding amounts received by charter schools fail to keep pace with the cost of providing high quality education to charter school students, as many schools rely on private donations to fund extra costs including facilities and rent. Without proper funding, charter schools are sometimes forced to hold classes in unstable temporary structures, creating safety hazards for students and educators, and learning distractions for students. This measure excludes from the charter school per-pupil funding calculation all amounts relating to programs that provide comparable benefits for all public school students to ensure charter schools receive funding needed for student success.

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. 283 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,

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MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair