Report Title:

Century charter schools; appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds for the planning, design, and implementation of new century charter schools.

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

342

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO SCHOOLS.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The success or failure of schools is due in large part to the governance, structure, funding, resources, and support of schools, including the size of their student population. The legislature finds that the "school-within-a-school" (SWS) concept enables schools to divide into smaller schools, each with its own set of students and teachers, and its own distinctive program. The SWS concept has been discussed and considered as a means of downsizing schools, personalizing schools, stimulating student engagement and accomplishment, accommodating the interests and learning styles of diverse student populations, encouraging teacher collaboration, and empowering teachers.

However, during the regular sessions of 1999 and 2000, the legislature passed laws providing for the establishment of "New Century Charter Schools." These charter schools seek to accomplish the same objectives as schools-within-schools. The legislature finds that new century charter schools also seek to increase flexibility and autonomy at the school level by allowing existing public schools and new schools to be designated as new century charter schools.

The purpose of this Act is to encourage the planning, design, and implementation of new century charter schools under the provisions of chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, by appropriating funds for this purpose.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002 and the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003 for the planning, design, and implementation of new century charter schools; provided that:

(1) Each group of teachers who, prior to the implementation of a new century charter school, participates in the planning and design of the new century charter school under the requirements of chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), shall receive $ ; and

(2) Each principal who implements a charter school under the requirements of chapter 302A, HRS, shall receive $ .

subject to the requirements of chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.

INTRODUCED BY:

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