Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR163

Introduced
3/11/22  
Refer
3/16/22  
Report Pass
3/30/22  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education And State Public Charter School Commission To Prioritize The Hiring Of Dedicated Staff To Manage Federal School Meal Programs.

Impact

The resolution specifically calls for addressing staffing shortages that have hampered the effectiveness of federal meal program initiatives, especially in rural and neighbor island schools in Hawaii. The document points out that certain schools, such as Kahakai Elementary School, Kealakehe Intermediate School, and Konawaena High School, have been unable to maximize the benefits of federal programs due to a lack of dedicated personnel to manage them. Consequently, there is an anticipated improvement in meal program administration and communication with involved stakeholders if the recommended staffing changes are implemented.

Summary

Senate Resolution 163 urges the Department of Education and the State Public Charter School Commission to prioritize the hiring of dedicated staff to manage federal school meal programs. This resolution recognizes the importance of access to nutritious school meals for children's health and well-being. It highlights the necessity for schools to fully utilize available federal programs that support providing free and reduced meals, particularly through the United States Department of Agriculture's National School Lunch Program. The resolution stresses that effective management of these programs is vital in ensuring that students in public and charter schools can benefit from federal meal initiatives.

Contention

While the resolution does not appear to have significant points of contention mentioned in the available discussions, it implies potential challenges associated with hiring dedicated staff. There may be concerns regarding the securing of federal funding, the ability of the Department of Education to act on these recommendations, and logistical issues surrounding the hiring process. Further, the request for a report outlining findings and legislative recommendations reflects an opportunity for stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives, which could lead to further discussions on educational funding and workforce priorities in Hawaii.

Companion Bills

HI SCR171

Same As Urging The Department Of Education And State Public Charter School Commission To Prioritize The Hiring Of Dedicated Staff To Manage Federal School Meal Programs.

Previously Filed As

HI SR65

Urging The Department Of Education To Require All Public Schools And Charter Schools That Serve Meals To Offer Plant-based Meal Options Prioritizing Ingredients From Locally Sourced And Locally Farmed Products.

HI SCR78

Urging The Department Of Education To Require All Public Schools And Charter Schools That Serve Meals To Offer Plant-based Meal Options Prioritizing Ingredients From Locally Sourced And Locally Farmed Products.

HI HCR127

Urging The Department Of Education To Require All Public Schools And Charter Schools That Serve Meals To Offer Plant-based Meal Options Prioritizing Ingredients From Locally Sourced And Locally Farmed Products.

HI HR108

Urging The Department Of Education To Require All Public Schools And Charter Schools That Serve Meals To Offer Plant-based Meal Options Prioritizing Ingredients From Locally Sourced And Locally Farmed Products.

HI SR32

Urging The Department Of Education To Ensure That Each Public School And Public Charter School In The State, From Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve Has A Certain Number Of Mental Health Professionals.

HI SR103

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Partnership With The State Public Charter School Commission, To Submit A Report On Increasing Access To Stable, Suitable, And Affordable Facilities For Public Charter Schools.

HI SCR44

Urging The Department Of Education To Ensure That Each Public School And Public Charter School In The State, From Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve Has A Certain Number Of Mental Health Professionals.

HI HCR170

Urging The Department Of Education To Ensure That Each Public School And Public Charter School In The State, From Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve, Has A Certain Number Of Mental Health Professionals.

HI HR149

Urging The Department Of Education To Ensure That Each Public School And Public Charter School In The State, From Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve, Has A Certain Number Of Mental Health Professionals.

HI SR182

Urging The Department Of Education To Increase Access To Arts And Cultural Instruction In Public Schools.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.