This bill urges the Governor of Hawaii to reconsider the decision not to allow the state to participate in the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program. The program would provide federal tax credits of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship organizations, which could then be used to fund scholarships for K-12 students from low- and middle-income households. By opting in, Hawaii would enable families to use these funds for private school tuition, tutoring, and other educational support services without reducing public school funding. The resolution requests that the state designate local scholarship organizations to receive donations, thereby expanding educational options for Hawaii students.
This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Education to work together on a permanent program to increase tree coverage at public schools across the state. The initiative aims to address heat exposure and improve outdoor learning opportunities, with special attention to ensuring equitable tree distribution in lower-income and Title I schools that currently have less shade. The program would include long-term tree maintenance, strategic species selection, and the creation of dedicated staff positions to sustain the effort. It builds on existing pilot programs like Shade Trees for Schools and Fruit Trees for Schools, which have shown positive results but have been limited by short-term funding.
This House Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to help public high schools create foundations that provide scholarships and financial aid to graduates while also supporting school funding needs. The bill aims to assist schools in navigating the complex process of establishing nonprofit organizations by offering guidance on legal requirements, financial management, and technology needs. It specifically asks the department to create a statewide resource development program to help school organizers overcome barriers to foundation establishment, though the Department of Education would not oversee the foundations once they are created. The resolution highlights that only a few schools currently have such foundations and seeks to expand this support across the state.
Requires the Department of Education to establish a student bus fare rate system that includes free school bus passes for students who meet certain statutory requirements. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD1)
Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish a school modernization initiative through a capital improvement project planning database for school facilities statewide. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes a Teacher National Board Certification Incentive Program to incentivize public charter school teachers who achieve national board certification under the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Requires that incentives paid to public charter school teachers under the Teacher National Board Certification Incentive Program established for public charter school teachers and other teacher differentials be paid from funds appropriated to the State Public Charter School Commission, instead of the per-pupil allocation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
SB 1000 would provide state funding to the Department of Education specifically for classroom supplies requested by public school teachers. This bill directly affects K-12 teachers and their students by enabling schools to purchase needed materials like books, art supplies, or technology. The key provision is a dedicated appropriation for teacher-requested items, managed through the Department of Education, though the bill remains pending in the 2026 session.
SB 821 provides state funding to the Department of Education for community schools and establishes a dedicated program manager position. This bill directly supports community schools (typically serving students in underserved areas) and the state education agency by allocating resources for their operations. The key mechanism is the appropriation of funds, enabling schools to expand existing services like after-school programs, health resources, and family support. The bill focuses solely on funding allocation, not creating new programs or mandates.
HB 1896 appropriates state funds to the Department of Education to support community schools. It directly affects community schools by providing dedicated funding for their operations and programs. The bill’s key mechanism is a financial appropriation, directing specific resources to the Department of Education for this purpose, without altering existing school policies or creating new requirements.
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.
