HI SCR158

Requests the Department of Education submit a comprehensive report on public school funding to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2017 Regular Session convening.

Requires district-to-district comparison of per-student spending and teacher salaries between Hawaii and mainland school districts of similar size and cost of living.

Mandates evaluation of recommendations to the weighted student formula for fiscal equity, including categorical allotments for rural schools and increased special education funding.

Requires budgetary projections for air conditioning installation in approximately 7,000 classrooms, reducing class sizes to 20 students (elementary) and 26 students (secondary), and aligning teacher salary steps with years of service starting 2017-2018.

Directs the report to include funding needs for arts and Native Hawaiian programming, vocational and career pathway programs in all school complex areas, and strategies to minimize administrative overhead costs.