RELATING TO COMMUNITY SCHOOLS.

HB1896

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1896

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to community schools
.

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

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SECTION
1.
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The legislature finds that in Hawaii,
a community school is a place where the school, its staff, families, students,
and the community work together to help every student thrive.

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The
legislature further finds that community schools support the whole child and
the whole family by addressing not only academic achievement, but also
students' health, well-being, sense of belonging, and connection to their
community and
ʻ
āina.

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Community schools are grounded in
partnership and reciprocity, recognizing students and families not only as
recipients of services, but as valued contributors, leaders, and co-designers
of solutions that strengthen the entire school community.

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The
legislature additionally finds that community schools are needed to help align
and leverage the many initiatives, resources, and services already present in
schools and communities that too often operate in isolation.
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The community schools strategy intentionally
coordinates these efforts toward shared goals, collective impact, and
sustainable school improvement, rather than fragmented or duplicative
approaches.

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The
legislature also finds that community schools are built on inclusive
decision-making, a shared vision, actionable data, and trusting pilina among
schools, families, students, and community partners.
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Through this approach, community schools focus
on supporting students and families through the following key practices:

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(1)
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Expanded, enriched learning opportunities;

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(2)
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Rigorous, community-connected classroom
instruction;

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(3)
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A culture of belonging, safety, and care;

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(4)
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Powerful family and student engagement;

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(5)
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Integrated systems of support; and

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(6)
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Collaborative leadership, shared voice, and
power.

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The
legislature further finds that community schools address the root causes of
barriers to learning by engaging students, families, educators, and community
members in identifying needs, assets, and solutions.
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Community school coordinators play a critical
role in this strategy by building partnerships, aligning resources,
facilitating collaboration, and supporting schools in translating community
voice and data into effective action.

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The
legislature recognizes that community schools are a proven, time-tested
strategy that can produce short-term outcomes, including improved attendance,
increased family engagement, and reduced behavioral referrals, as well as
long-term outcomes such as improved academic achievement, positive school
culture and climate, increased teacher retention, and higher graduation rates.

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The
legislature additionally finds that improving regular student attendance is a
priority for the department of education and that community schools are a
promising approach to addressing chronic absenteeism by creating the conditions
necessary for learning, including stable relationships, coordinated supports,
and meaningful family engagement.

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The
legislature notes that research demonstrates a strong return on investment for
community schools.
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A study of community
schools in Albuquerque, New Mexico, found that for every dollar invested in a
community school coordinator, the return on investment was approximately $7.11
in net benefits.
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A study of community
schools in New York City found positive and significant effects on on-time
grade progression for elementary and middle school students and increased high
school graduation rates.
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A report by the
Learning Policy Institute identified community schools as a promising approach
to improving attendance by addressing underlying barriers to learning.

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Accordingly,
the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of education
to support the implementation, coordination, and sustainability of community
schools in Hawaii.

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SECTION
2.
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There is appropriated out of the
general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,152,500 or so much
thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for community schools,
including administrative program management and support for implementation, and
technical assistance and evaluation.

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

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SECTION 3.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Department
of Education; Community Schools; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates
funds to the Department of Education to support community schools.

The summary description
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not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.