HI HB372

Requires the state auditor to conduct annual operational audits of the Department of Education's academic and financial plans, assessing efficiency, effectiveness, and student outcomes from budget planning through implementation.

Mandates the auditor submit audit findings and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the regular session convening following each audit.

Requires the Department of Education to contract with a third-party school finance consultant to study the adequacy of education funding in Hawaii using evidence-based methods.

The adequacy study must identify variables associated with high-quality education, estimate additional funding needed for equal educational opportunity, compare Hawaii teacher salaries with similar districts, and assess funding equity across schools.

Appropriates unspecified sums for fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 to the Office of the Auditor and Department of Education to conduct audits and complete the adequacy study, with findings due by twenty days before the 2023 regular legislative session.