HB1896

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1896
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to community schools.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that in Hawaii, a community school is a place where the school, its staff, families, students, and the community work together to help every student thrive.

The legislature further finds that community schools support the whole child and the whole family by addressing not only academic achievement, but also students' health, well-being, sense of belonging, and connection to their community and ʻāina. Community schools are grounded in partnership and reciprocity, recognizing students and families not only as recipients of services, but as valued contributors, leaders, and co-designers of solutions that strengthen the entire school community.

The legislature additionally finds that community schools are needed to help align and leverage the many initiatives, resources, and services already present in schools and communities that too often operate in isolation. The community schools strategy intentionally coordinates these efforts toward shared goals, collective impact, and sustainable school improvement, rather than fragmented or duplicative approaches.

The legislature also finds that community schools are built on inclusive decision-making, a shared vision, actionable data, and trusting pilina among schools, families, students, and community partners. Through this approach, community schools focus on supporting students and families through the following key practices:

(1) Expanded, enriched learning opportunities;

(2) Rigorous, community-connected classroom instruction;

(3) A culture of belonging, safety, and care;

(4) Powerful family and student engagement;

(5) Integrated systems of support; and

(6) Collaborative leadership, shared voice, and power.

The legislature further finds that community schools address the root causes of barriers to learning by engaging students, families, educators, and community members in identifying needs, assets, and solutions. Community school coordinators play a critical role in this strategy by building partnerships, aligning resources, facilitating collaboration, and supporting schools in translating community voice and data into effective action.

The legislature recognizes that community schools are a proven, time-tested strategy that can produce short-term outcomes, including improved attendance, increased family engagement, and reduced behavioral referrals, as well as long-term outcomes such as improved academic achievement, positive school culture and climate, increased teacher retention, and higher graduation rates.

The legislature additionally finds that improving regular student attendance is a priority for the department of education and that community schools are a promising approach to addressing chronic absenteeism by creating the conditions necessary for learning, including stable relationships, coordinated supports, and meaningful family engagement.

The legislature notes that research demonstrates a strong return on investment for community schools. A study of community schools in Albuquerque, New Mexico, found that for every dollar invested in a community school coordinator, the return on investment was approximately $7.11 in net benefits. A study of community schools in New York City found positive and significant effects on on-time grade progression for elementary and middle school students and increased high school graduation rates. A report by the Learning Policy Institute identified community schools as a promising approach to improving attendance by addressing underlying barriers to learning.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of education to support the implementation, coordination, and sustainability of community schools in Hawaii.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,152,500 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for community schools, including administrative program management and support for implementation, and technical assistance and evaluation.

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

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

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