The Hawaii Department of Education anticipates requesting an additional $159 million from the state during the next legislative session to cover expenditures in fiscal years 2016 and 2017. ADVERTISING The Hawaii Department of Education anticipates requesting an additional $159 million
The Hawaii Department of Education anticipates requesting an additional $159 million from the state during the next legislative session to cover expenditures in fiscal years 2016 and 2017.
The current operating budget for the state schools system is just over $1.77 billion for fiscal years 2014-15. But in a report presented Tuesday by state schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi to the Board of Education’s Finance and Infrastructure Committee, she reiterated that state funding for education has remained stagnant for the last seven years.
The state appropriated $1.402 billion for the system in fiscal year 2008 and lesser amounts through fiscal year 2015, when it was raised to $1.403 billion.
“Despite the flat budget, we have managed to increase school-level Weighted Student Formula funding, and our schools have performed extremely well over the last few years,” Matayoshi said.
The budget request to the Legislature would not include $231 million through fiscal years 2016 and 2017 to fund pay raises dictated by collective bargaining. Those funds are already set to be covered by the state. The anticipated increases in operating expenses include:
- $10.4 million to maintain the Weighted Student Formula’s per-pupil funding in response to projected increases in student enrollment ($2.4 million in fiscal year 2016 and $8 million in 2017).
- $25.7 million for school utilities such as electricity, water, gas and sewer ($12.8 million for FY 2016 and $12.9 million for 2017).
- $28.3 million to partially restore general fund support for the delivery of school meals that comply with federal quality and nutritional guidelines ($9.9 million for FY 2015, $9.1 million for 2016 and $9.3 million for 2017).
- $27.4 million for student bus transportation services ($9.3 million for FY 2015, $7.4 million for 2016 and $10.7 million for 2017).
- $6.8 million ($3.4 million in each of the biennium years) for skilled nursing services to students, aged 3 to 22, as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Act.
- $4 million ($2 million each year) for workers’ compensation benefits.
Other increases in expenditures would cover investments such as:
- $30.8 million to embark on a digital-centered teaching and learning program called “Future Ready Learning.” The request would help fund technology of up to $500 per device for schools identified as ready, as well as prepare educators and schools for the program.
- $3.8 million for the creation of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance.
- $2 million for the Strive HI awards, which are financial incentive awards given to the top 5 percent of schools classified as “recognition” schools under the Strive HI Performance System.
- Just over $996,000 to provide all students with the opportunity to take Advanced Placement college-level courses and exams.
