Hawaii Senate Bill SB542

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To Article X, Section 1, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Require That The Statewide Public School System Be Thorough And Efficient.

Impact

If enacted, this bill is expected to fundamentally change how education is approached in Hawaii. By embedding the requirement for quality education into the state constitution, it may open the door for increased levels of funding and resources dedicated to public schools. The proposed amendment seeks to address long-standing disparities in education, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic, particularly among disadvantaged communities and special education students. The focus on a thorough and efficient education system aims to help Hawaii's schools meet the educational needs of their diverse student population more effectively.

Summary

SB542 proposes an amendment to Article X, Section 1, of the Hawaii State Constitution, aiming to ensure that the statewide public school system is 'thorough and efficient.' The bill highlights the current inadequacies in Hawaii's public education system, including a significant teacher shortage, deteriorating school facilities, and insufficient funding compared to other states. It emphasizes the need for systematic changes to improve educational outcomes for all students, particularly in light of challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contention

Notably, the amendment could spark debates regarding state versus local control over educational policy. Some lawmakers may raise concerns about the implications of defining 'thorough and efficient,' and how that affects existing educational practices and funding allocations. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on how to adequately measure and ensure educational quality across the state, which could lead to increased scrutiny and demands for accountability within the public education system.