THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	778
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to education.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  Section 302A-1124, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  The department, through the board and its superintendent, shall establish a school community council system under which each public school, excluding charter schools, shall create and maintain a school community council.  Each school community council shall:

     (1)  Review and evaluate the school's academic plan and financial plan, and either recommend revisions of the plans to the principal, or recommend the plans for approval by the complex area superintendent;

     (2)  Ensure that the school's academic and financial plans are consistent with the educational accountability system under section 302A-1004;

     (3)  Submit all recommendations in writing based on findings that are detailed and specific, and at a minimum state why the recommendation is in the best interests of the school;

    [(3)](4)   Participate in principal selection and evaluation, and transmit any such evaluations to the complex area superintendent; [and]

    [(4)](5)   Provide collaborative opportunities for input and consultation[.]; and

     (6)  The council shall hold not less than two public community meetings annually in each school community, in addition to their regular meetings, for the purpose of discussing and receiving input from the community on education and fiscal issues.  These community meetings shall not be held for the purpose of formulating educational policy."

     SECTION 2.  Section 302A-1124, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:

     "(g)  The principal shall have the authority to set aside any decision made by the school community council if the principal determines it to be in the best interests of the school; provided that the principal notifies the school community council[.] in writing.  The principal's decision shall be based on findings that are detailed and specific, and shall at a minimum state why the proposal is contrary to the best interests of the school.  If the school community council opposes a decision of the principal, an appeal shall first be brought to the complex area superintendent for resolution and, if necessary, to the superintendent and, finally, to the board of education."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

School Community Councils; Written findings; Public meetings.

 

Description:

Requires school community councils and principals to provide detailed justification for proposed changes and opposition to proposed changes; requires school community councils to hold two community meetings annually in each school community.

 

 

 

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