HI HR91

Request for State Auditor to conduct an audit on geographic exception procedures and application determinations within the Department of Education, pursuant to Hawaii Constitution Article VII, Section 10

Audit must include analysis of geographic exception usage over at least 10 years, disaggregated data on approvals/disapprovals by student demographics (ethnicity, special education status, English Language Learner status, free/reduced lunch status), and application processing timelines

Audit to examine appropriateness of geographic exception review procedures including principal-applicant interviews and consideration of student grades and test scores, and compile percentage of students attending school under geographic exceptions by school

Audit to evaluate feasibility of implementing an online geographic exception and school enrollment platform, review how other states administer geographic exception programs, and identify equity implications and opportunities for more efficient fund allocation and objective approval standards

State Auditor must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2021