HB 1072 would provide state funds to public schools for classroom supplies requested by teachers during fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The bill directly affects K-12 teachers and school administrators who would use these funds to purchase specific materials they identify as needed. It allocates dedicated funding through the Department of Education without requiring new state mandates or changes to existing supply procurement processes. This is a funding measure focused on supporting classroom needs as determined by educators themselves.
Requires the exclusive representative for bargaining unit (5) to appoint to the Board of Education a nonvoting public school teacher representative. Authorizes the nonvoting public school teacher representative to participate in all Board of Education meetings and enter into executive sessions, except in certain matters related to collective bargaining negotiations or personnel matters that may pose a conflict of interest. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)
Requires and appropriates funds to pay salary differentials to English language educators as an incentive to attract and retain these educators. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes the Onipaʻa Teacher Bonus Program to address teacher retention and award teachers for outstanding and extended service in the department of education. Ensures that general education teachers assigned to special education inclusion classes receive the same additional benefits as special education teachers.
SCR 17 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Education to mandate teaching pre-1959 Hawaiian history from an Indigenous perspective across all public school social studies classes starting in the 2027-2028 school year. It directly affects Hawaii public schools and students, requiring curriculum changes to include key historical events like the Hawaiian Kingdom's governance, the 1893 overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani, and pre-annexation history. The resolution specifies that the Department of Education must collaborate with Native Hawaiian educators and cultural practitioners to develop curriculum standards, approved materials, and teacher training. This is a procedural resolution (not a law) that formally requests the Department of Education take these steps to align with Hawaii's constitutional obligation to promote Hawaiian culture and history.
HB 625 establishes a state-funded incentive program to attract and retain nationally certified school psychologists in public schools. It directly affects qualified school psychologists by providing financial incentives through appropriated state funds. The bill creates a mechanism where eligible psychologists receive annual payments upon meeting certification and employment requirements. The program is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 3000, and recently passed the Education Committee with 10 supportive votes. This is a funding-based policy change focused on addressing staffing needs in school mental health services.
Codifies the board of education's policy for class sizes to promote quality education and positive student-teacher interactions. Informs parents if changes to class sizes are needed.
Requires the department of education to prohibit cell phone use during the instructional day, prohibit student access to social media through the school's internet, and implement a social media education campaign. Creates exemptions for students requiring accommodations, emergency situations, and teacher authorizations.
Requires and appropriates funds to pay salary differentials to English language educators as an incentive to attract and retain these educators. Appropriates funds.
Beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, requires each public school in the State, including charter schools, to employ, or retain under contract, at least one mental health professional for every 250 students enrolled, subject to certain conditions. Requires the Department of Education to submit a progress report to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027. Appropriates moneys for the Department of Education to contract for mental health professionals and to establish an unspecified number of full‑time equivalent mental health professional positions within the Department of Education.
