HI SCR153

Hawaii Department of Education partnered with Chaminade University to offer stipends for individuals pursuing a Doctorate in Education in Educational Psychology, requiring recipients to complete 60 credits, obtain mental health licensure, and commit to 3 years of full-time employment with the department.

Concerns have been raised that the department created "Mental Health Interventionist" positions that may not appropriately reflect doctoral-level educational psychology training as contemplated by the stipend agreements.

The resolution requests the department report on the number of stipend recipients, established Educational Psychologist positions, Mental Health Interventionist positions and their geographic distribution, and how duties compare between the two classifications.

The department is requested to identify funding and position authority needed to expand Educational Psychologist positions statewide to meet both student mental health needs and contractual workforce commitments.

The report is due to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the Regular Session of 2027.