HI HB1056

Amends Section 302A-605, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to allow alternative routes to principal and vice-principal certification to comply with federal Race to the Top grant requirements.

Principals must have at least five years of appropriate school-level experience, including at least three years as a teacher, or equivalent experience as determined by the department (removes the strict three-year teaching requirement).

Vice-principals must have appropriate school-level or equivalent experience as determined by the department (removes prior specific experience requirements).

Intended to meet federal selection criteria for Race to the Top funding by providing flexibility in certification pathways while maintaining department oversight.

Effective upon approval.