Bill > SB201

This bill addresses school overcrowding and student attendance in Hawaii by gradually phasing out the Department of Education's (DOE) practice of mandating that students attend schools outside their service area. Specifically, the bill establishes a five-year reduction plan for out-of-service-area attendance, starting with the 2026-2027 school year, where the number of sixth-grade students mandated to attend schools outside their service area will be progressively reduced from 80% to 20% of the 2024-2025 baseline. The legislature finds that school overcrowding negatively impacts student achievement, teacher morale, and can lead to more expensive multi-tracking solutions. The bill requires the DOE to submit annual progress reports to the legislature detailing the number of students statewide mandated for out-of-service-area attendance. The legislation aims to balance student distribution within complex areas, particularly in the Leeward district, by allowing students to attend schools in their own service area. The changes to the existing law will take effect on July 1, 2030, with the act itself becoming effective upon approval.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=201&year=2025