Hawaii Senate Bill SB2

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/20/23

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii Constitution To Require The Election Of Members Of The Board Of Education.

Impact

Should this amendment be enacted, it would fundamentally change the structure of the Board of Education by transitioning it from an appointed to an elected board. This is expected to enhance democratic governance within the education system, allowing for greater input from the electorate regarding educational policies and initiatives. It also opens the possibility for increased accountability for board members, as they would be directly answerable to voters. The transition from an appointed to an elected board is designed to align educational governance with broader democratic practices in the state.

Summary

SB2 proposes an amendment to the Hawaii Constitution to require that the members of the Board of Education be elected by the qualified voters of the state rather than appointed by the governor. This change aims to increase public participation and accountability in the governance of education in Hawaii. The bill delineates two at-large school board districts, one representing Oahu and other islands, and the other representing the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Kauai, and Niihau. Additionally, the amendment makes provisions for having at least one member residing in each departmental school district within these at-large districts.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB2 may stem from concerns over the effectiveness and clarity of elected boards versus appointed boards. Advocates for the elected board highlight the need for accountability and responsiveness to community needs, while opponents may argue that appointing members allows for more qualified and specialized individuals to oversee education policy. There may also be discussion about the potential impact on the quality of educational governance, particularly concerning the expertise and commitment of elected versus appointed members.