Hawaii Senate Bill SCR121

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

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.

Impact

A significant aspect highlighted in the resolution is the imbalance between the increasing enrollment in public charter schools—over twelve thousand students—and the lack of adequate funding for maintaining high-quality facilities. Despite requests for support, funding allocated to public charter schools has not kept pace with necessary expenses. The report mandated by SCR121 is expected to assess the lack of identified unused state facilities that could potentially serve charter schools and explore various financing options, including federal support, to enhance facility access.

Summary

SCR121 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution introduced in the Hawaii State Legislature during the 2024 session. The bill requests the Board of Education, in collaboration with the State Public Charter School Commission, to compile a report aimed at increasing access to stable, suitable, and affordable facilities for public charter schools. This initiative comes in response to persistent challenges experienced by charter schools in Hawaii regarding facility adequacy and funding, as many schools currently operate in substandard conditions due to limited resources.

Conclusion

SCR121 emphasizes a proactive approach to strengthening the foundation for public charter schools in Hawaii, which serve as critical environments for educational innovation. By assessing facility access and proposing legislative changes, the resolution aims not only to enhance the learning experiences of students in these schools but also to stimulate wider discussions on educational funding and resource management at the state level.

Contention

Notably, while the resolution seeks to address the dire need for educational facilities for charter schools, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of state responses to charter school needs over the years. The request for a comprehensive report underscores an ongoing critique of state-level oversight and efficacy in managing educational resources. Discussions may also arise around the fairness and prioritization of public versus charter school facilities, as well as the methodologies for identifying and utilizing state assets.