HI HR10

Urges the Board of Education and Department of Education to support and implement community schools as an equity strategy for increasing access to high-quality education and addressing COVID-19 learning loss.

Identifies four key pillars of community schools: integrated student supports, expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities, active family engagement, and collaborative leadership.

Notes that during 2019-2020, 47 percent of Hawaii public school students were economically challenged, with 84,993 qualifying for free and reduced-price lunch programs.

Recognizes community schools can address out-of-school barriers including unstable housing, inadequate medical and dental care, hunger, trauma, and violence exposure.

Highlights that community schools align with the Department of Education's Na Hopena Ao Framework and qualify as evidence-based strategies under the Every Student Succeeds Act, with available federal funding sources including Title I and 21st Century Community Learning Centers.