Relating To Student Transportation.
The proposed funding aims to implement several initiatives to improve the current situation. These include establishing differential pay increases for bus drivers, which may help alleviate staffing shortages, purchasing alternative transportation vehicles, and reimbursing schools for additional transportation costs. This approach not only targets immediate service improvements but also acknowledges the need for innovative solutions in areas facing the greatest challenges, such as rural communities where students often endure long commutes.
House Bill 1797 addresses the pressing issue of student transportation in Hawaii's public schools, particularly in light of ongoing bus driver shortages that have significantly curtailed services. The bill seeks to allocate $10 million for the fiscal year 2024-2025 to enhance transportation services for students, recognizing that adequate transportation is essential for compliance with state compulsory attendance laws. The chronic shortage of bus drivers has led to route cancellations, severely affecting students in rural and disadvantaged communities, where transportation alternatives are limited.
Notably, the bill acknowledges the serious relationship between transportation access and student absenteeism, with statistics indicating that over a third of Hawaii's students were chronically absent during the previous school year. The legislation aims to address this issue directly, as chronic absenteeism is strongly correlated with reduced academic achievement and graduation rates. By strengthening transportation services, the bill seeks to foster an environment where students have reliable access to education, potentially improving overall educational outcomes within the state.