HI HB1896

Appropriates unspecified funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Department of Education to support community schools implementation, coordination, administrative management, technical assistance, and evaluation.

Community schools in Hawaii are designed to address the whole child and whole family by focusing on academic achievement, health, well-being, sense of belonging, and connection to community and ʻāina.

The community school strategy emphasizes six key practices: expanded learning opportunities, community-connected instruction, culture of belonging and safety, family and student engagement, integrated support systems, and collaborative leadership.

Community school coordinators are designated as critical personnel responsible for building partnerships, aligning resources, facilitating collaboration, and translating community voice and data into action.

Research cited includes a $7.11 return on investment for every dollar invested in community school coordinators in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and improved grade progression and graduation rates in New York City community schools.