STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
FINANCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING

MINUTES

Thursday, August 19, 2021
*The Board did not meet at a physical location. As part of the response to the threat of COVID-19, Governor David Ige issued an Emergency Proclamation dated August 5, 2021, suspending Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 92, Public Agency Meetings and Records, to the extent necessary to enable boards as defined in Section 92-2, to conduct meetings without any board members or members of the public physically present in the same location, among other things.

PRESENT:
Bruce Voss, Chairperson
Lynn Fallin, Vice Chairperson
Bill Arakaki
Kili Namauʻu
Catherine Payne
Dwight Takeno
Kaimana Barcarse, ex officio
Kenneth Uemura, ex officio

EXCUSED:
None

ALSO PRESENT:
Keith Hayashi, Interim Superintendent, Department of Education
Brian Hallett, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Fiscal Services, Department of Education
Chad Keone Farias, Co-chairperson, Committee on Weights XII
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Executive Secretary
Lady Garrett, Secretary

I. Call to Order

Committee Chairperson Bruce Voss called the Finance and Infrastructure Committee (“Committee”) meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.


II. Approval of Meeting Minutes of June 17, 2021

Committee Chairperson Voss called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one provided oral testimony at this time.

Committee Chairperson Voss asked Committee members to review the minutes of the Committee’s June 17, 2021 meeting.

Committee Member Dwight Takeno moved to approve the Committee’s meeting minutes of June 17, 2021. Committee Vice Chairperson Lynn Fallin seconded.

Committee Chairperson Voss asked if there were any objections to the motion. No Committee member raised objections, and the motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present (Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin, Committee Members Arakaki, Namauʻu, Payne, and Takeno).

ACTION: Motion to approve the Finance and Infrastructure Committee meeting minutes of June 17, 2021 (Takeno/Fallin). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


III. Discussion Items

Committee Chairperson Voss called for public testimony on this agenda item.

David Miyashiro, HawaiiKidsCAN, testified that many of the other states’ ESSER plans contain more details and bolder ideas, but the Department of Education’s (“Department”) plan is unclear as to what will be available for schools, families and communities that are facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cheri Nakamura, HEʻE Coalition, testified that the Department’s plan does not explain how it will provide access to a safe and equitable education and noted that there is no clear rationale. She expressed support to continue advocating that the Department use funds at the school level to focus on learning loss in the classroom during mandatory, core instructional time.

Mireille Ellsworth, Hawai‘i for a Safe Return to Schools, testified that the Department will fall short by not addressing critical factors on campuses, discussed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) recommendations, and shared that schools do not have enough CO2 monitors.

Committee Chairperson Voss called on Brian Hallett, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Fiscal Services, to present the Department’s allocation plan for the use of federal funds in the second round of the Education Stabilization Fund’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (“ESSER II”) and in the third round of ESSER funds authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ESSER ARP”).

Hallett stated that he would first provide high level guidance focused on ESSER funds and then Committee on Weights XII (“COW XII”) recommendation during a later portion of the agenda, which also relates to ESSER funds. He stated that the presentation provides him with an opportunity to gather input and feedback from the Committee on the Department’s ESSER plan, which is only for the current fiscal year.

Hallett explained that if the Department’s plan is approved by the Committee it will help reduce uncertainty and allow the Department to move ahead with shovel ready projects, which are referenced in sections A-G of the memorandum. He highlighted the following from the memorandum: (1) ESSER funds are education stabilization funds provided by Congress to address funding gaps, with the expectation of the continuity of services to close those gaps; and, (2) funding to help Department respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hallett also noted that it is important for the Department to remain flexible when planning for the use of funds.

Keith Hayashi, Interim Superintendent explained that the Department will focus on the “3-1-1” priorities with the “3” representing student priorities: (1) attendance: to see where our students are and if students are not in school what needs to be done to get them to school; (2) academics: provide assessments to determine next steps; and (3) Social Emotional Learning (“SEL”) by determining the supports that students need. He further explained that the next priority is staff support and well-being, and the last priority is to support a safe return for all in the overall system and determine the direction for schools based on data.

Hallett stated that the Department prepared two scenarios for the use of ESSER fund plans contained in the memorandum, Option A and Option B. He also stated that the Department has funding to maintain existing staffing levels given the budget cuts imposed because there have been considerable improvements.

Hallett stated that the Department’s supplemental budget request should also anticipate the will of the legislature to restore the funding differences between Option B to address learning loss. He emphasized that the Department's preference is Option A and the conceptual metrics that will be used is contained in Section J, including the anticipated timeline to return to the Board while awaiting data from detailed plans, which at a minimum would happen twice a year.

Committee Chairperson Voss stated that the purpose of today's presentation is to provide additional opportunities for the Board to give feedback and discuss the different options to develop a better plan.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin expressed appreciation for the overview since it was helpful to focus on key elements. She acknowledged that the Department is awaiting further guidance from the United States Department of Education (“USDOE”) on impacts; however, she expressed concerns with the lack of details in the memorandum, which triggers a lot of concern and questions.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin stated that this information is important so that the Board can make decisions that will positively affect schools. She noted that because the metrics identified lack specificity, it is difficult for Committee members to understand the affect of the proposed funding, and moreover, some of the programmatic information is beyond the scope of this Committee. Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin asked when the Department will need the Board to take action to avoid any negative impact on operations.

Hallett replied that the Department is seeking approval on several items at this meeting, and with the Board’s guidance will return with a recommendation on the rest of the plan in one month.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin asked if the information from USDOE will be available to the Department in a month. Hallett replied that the Department expected to receive information from USDOE soon.

Hayashi shared that based on information from USDOE, the Department’s request will address more specific needs to meet the needs of schools based on data.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin asked that the Department continue to gather data and not wait for the next Board meeting. Hayashi replied that the Department will continue to collect data, because it is important to use the money on the student priorities of attendance, academics, and SEL.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin asked if each accelerated learning area will include metrics that reflect the program impacts. Hayashi replied that the Department is working with complex area superintendents (“CAS”) on those metrics.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin asked if the Department is using the same denominator while looking at impacts. Hayashi explained that the Department will report back on this question.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin emphasized strongly that this information is important when looking at programmatic areas in order for Board members to make decisions.

Hayashi stated that regarding the three student priority areas the denominator focuses on is how to support all students and what schools are doing to address specific areas. He explained that the approach and strategies will be dependent on individual schools in each complex area.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin stated the intention or purpose is to look at system wide metrics; if a school decides to take action, then the Department needs to ensure the school clearly articulates the data that it will use to show progress. She also stated that the intent is not to impact programs but to gain an understanding of what the impact will be beyond the actions.

Board Member Kaimana Barcarse, ex officio, asked how charter schools will access these funds.

Hallett replied that in Option B, the Department will transfer the charter school share to the State Public Charter School Commission (“Commission”), which will distribute the funds to charter schools. He explained how the Department calculates the charter school share.

Hallett stated that the last page of the memorandum outlined the Department’s proposal to allow additional time for the Department to make further determinations on the distribution to charter schools, so that the distribution will be based on need, instead of providing funding upfront.

Board Member Kenneth Uemura, ex officio, asked for clarification on the charter school funding, requested that the Department identifies where carryover funds will be used, and how to address the budget shortfalls. He stated that there is a negative $2 million in carryover funds.

Hallett replied that the Department will work with the Commission on the distribution of charter school funds.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, asked where the carryover monies are coming from in the budget. Hallett replied that the Department receives its appropriations from the base budget it receives from the legislature.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, stated that there needs to be an understanding that EDN 100 was allocated as carryover funding of the $25.3 million and the Department adhered to the carryover request.

Hallett explained that several months ago schools were operating under instruction that there would be a 10% budget reduction to the weighted student formula (“WSF”) and there would be an impact on carryover funds, but WSF was not reduced. He explained that because WSF was not reduced, the Department was then faced with the challenge of not exceeding the five percent carryover limitation. Hallett stated that state office decided to allow deficits in order to keep carryover funds within the 5% limitation.

Hallett stated that the Department used $19.2 million in impact aid funds to return funds to the schools at the end of the current fiscal year (June 30, 2021).

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, asked how the Department generates credit to have carryover funds. Hallett replied that the Department’s intention was to use federal funds for general funds and create a timing adjustment.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, asked where impact aid funds are coming from. Hallett replied that impact aid funding is generated from Title VIII monies for military or federally housed children. He stated that the Department used these funds last year to help fund budget cuts and were to be rebalanced after July of this year.

Hallett explained that if the Department did not delay the transfer of impact aid funds, then there was a risk that $125 million would have lapsed. He explained that the movement of funds was to honor the state office’s commitment to schools, which were operating under state office guidance of preparing for WSF reductions. He also explained that the Department’s fiscal condition improved at the end of the last school year, so now some schools have resources to address immediate needs, but not all schools have carryover funding.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, stated that EDN 150 has a carryover of $21.05 million and he asked what the Department is going to do with these funds. Hallett replied that the memorandum states that there is flexibility, but the budget is based on the assumption that the Department is going to use this amount.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, stated that the carryovers listed in Attachment 2, reference the central holding accounts to address priority funding shortfalls. Hallett explained that when all the holding accounts are added up, the net is $19.2 million and the Department is relying on positive balances to use impact aid funds.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, asked if any carryover monies will be returned. Hallett replied that historically if the carryover is positive, the Department will share the funds, but that is not the case this year because the funding listed will be returned to schools and offices who generated the carryover. He noted that EDN 200 will get its carryover money back because those funds are not easily spread to all schools in the system.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, asked how EDN 100, which comes from schools, totals $140 million and a negative $40 million comes from payroll. Hallett replied that these amounts will be offset with federal funding.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, expressed confusion on how the Department is generating these numbers and asked for clarification on how the Department generated a negative carryover amount.

Hallett replied that the Department borrowed from the general fund and will use impact aid to cover these costs. He stated that once the deficit is cleared, the Department will need to address the anticipated substitute teacher balances it had planned to manage with impact aid.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, asked what assumptions the Department used and if this information is detailed in the memorandum. He also asked what mitigation strategies the Department explored for ventilation in classrooms.

Hallett highlighted that the Department used the following assumptions: (1) $100 million budget gap in both options A and B, included changes to restore funding to the Department; (2) for the tri-level there was considerations on the setting of programs at the state level, which includes several line items detailed at the school level; (3) complex area accelerated learning programs; and, (4) ventilation to make sure to spend the $25 million for learning loss programs.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio stated that there are not enough details in the Department’s plan and that these discussions have been happening for almost a year. Hallett replied that further information is available on the budget website.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio asked for further information on the budget reduction amount of $100.2 million because the actual amount could be more or less.

Committee Chairperson Voss stated that the schools need to be able to use the $93 million in carryover and that the amount the Department is asking for Board approval on is in the Department’s memorandum.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin asked for a breakdown of the ESSER funds and when the Department is required to spend the funds. She asked if the Department will spend the remaining $412.5 million in ESSER funds at a later time. Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin stated that if the Department is planning on requesting approval of $123 million and then will come back to request Board approval of the remaining funds.

Hallett replied that Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin’s assessment is partially correct, because the Department will be presenting a request for approval of spending for fiscal year 2021-2022 only.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin asked what the Department plans to bring back to the Board within one month. Hallett stated that the Department will provide a request with more details on its plans to use $60 to $70 million, with information from schools on their academic plans. He stated that the multi-year plan has a $35 million request, but the Department is only seeking approval of $3 million at this time. Hallett recognized that based on Committee member comments, the Committee needs more information.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin asked if the proposed timeline is based on Department internal discussions. Hallett replied that the Department needs to get money to schools immediately.

Committee Chairperson Fallin stated in the memorandum under Option B the determinations of a memorandum of understanding is mentioned and discussions with various legislators. She asked if the Department has received responses from the Department of Budget & Finance (“B&F”). Hallett replied that the Department has received responses from B&F.

Committee Member Catherine Payne stated that the budget details in the memorandum are specific for certain schools or complex areas. She asked how the Department identified complex area specific items as priorities and recognized that these items are valuable, but expressed concern as to whether there is adequate funding across the state. Committee Member Payne requested information on how particular programs were identified as priorities.

Hallett explained that 4.05 in Option A and Option B relates to funding for the Challenger Center, which is a statewide program that was originally under the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (“DBEDT”). He explained that the legislature transferred the full-time positions for the center from DBEDT to the Department and cut the funding from DBEDT, but failed to add the funding to the Department’s budget. He also explained that 4.04 is for the Leilehua cyber security program and that the complex area sought funding this past legislative session as a line item.

Hayashi stated that the focus on cyber security aligns to developing workplace engagement for students and provides a possible workforce development pilot program for other high schools. He also stated that trauma informed care extends from the Nanakuli-Waianae complex and will be used to inform other complexes on what is possible to address student SEL needs.

Committee Member Kili Namauʻu asked how much the Department must spend on accelerated learning, as mandated by the USDOE. She expressed concerns with rigor and asked how the Department can ramp up afterschool programming, additional activities, summer school programming, and tutoring. Committee Member Namauʻu also requested more information on the types of programs and how students will be engaged, along with data so that the Board can make better budget decisions. She noted that metrics related to what complex areas will be doing and how the monies will be used is important because the Department’s current recommendation lacks specificity and data.

Committee Member Namauʻu stated that, overall, she would like the Department to figure out a way to plan for all students because she does not see this happening. She noted that there are silos for specific projects and that the Department is not coming together to accelerate learning for every child and using metrics and data to track progress.

Committee Chairperson Voss stated that the Department needs to address the following important points: (1) where and when will the Board get data; (2) what are the lump sum amounts for programs; and, (3) how will this work.

Hayashi replied that using the 3-1-1 strategy, the Department is developing a plan to review data from schools on students needs to create unique plans. He also stated that regarding the lump sum amounts, the schools identified the use of those funds to support the complex area plan based on the three student priorities, attendance, academics, and SEL.

Committee Member Namauʻu emphasized that the Department needs to think larger for the entire system and suggested that that state office provide a menu of available programs for schools to choose from. She shared that those at the school level are overwhelmed and not in a position to figure out and find what resources will be available.

Committee Member Namauʻu stated that schools need to be able to access this information and work to figure out the tutoring situation because the Board received a lot of testimony from teachers who were upset about the possibility of being replaced. She stated that answers can come from our own communities and the Department needs to tap into organizations who provide culture or ʻāina based opportunities. Committee Member Namauʻu also requested that the Department figure out how to help students, what they need, and provide options because ESSER funds should be used in innovative ways while looking at the broader, bolder, bigger picture on how to better serve students.

Hayashi stated that with the 3-1-1 strategy approach, schools will reach out to CASs to review data in terms of need and will review various plans and options that will be available as it is important to provide flexibility for complex areas.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, stated that the Department needs to collect data and develop a plan that the Board can review because at this time is it premature for the Board to act upon a request that lacks details.

Committee Member Arakaki stated that the Department needs to provide more comprehensive resources for principals and educators that include available data, programs, or strategies. He stated that the Department should look at student learning and determine the expense with data because it is important to ensure that with whatever is collected, decisions can be made and progress monitored. Committee Member Arakaki noted that there needs to be more discussion about strategies and successful implementation.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin stated that she values input. She stated that in Option A some areas need to be handled by other committees in the Board committee structure, like the Student Achievement Committee. Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin noted that it is important to take some action on immediate issues, although the Department has not provided adequate information.

Committee Chairperson Voss asked if the Committee can delay decision-making and asked when is the latest that the plan can be approved. Hallett replied that the next agenda item can address issues discussed today and asked if the Committee will move ahead on approval for shovel ready items.

Hallett shared that the Department does not think any further action from the USDOE will be required and is only waiting on what is required for data reporting.

Committee Member Payne stated that the Board needs to look at things within the context that all programs being funded focus on learning loss to address critical needs for students. She also stated that those managing resources need to communicate to make sure the Department is leveraging things all around and look into working with community partners so everyone is not working in silos and there is focused understanding.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin asked for clarification on the use of the term “obligate” contained in the memorandum. Hallett replied that obligate and liquidate are terms are used on the federal service level.

Committee Chairperson Voss asked that the Department take into account all comments and provide more information, particularly on the details of the large allocations. He stated that if the Board wants the legislature to restore funding, the only way is if the Department provides more information on programs.


IV. Recommendation for Action

Committee Chairperson Voss called for public testimony on this agenda item.

Carolyn Hayashi, Leilehua Alumni and Community Association, testified that she has worked with schools to support kids to earn living wages and become well rounded adults and was able to provide computers to four schools in the Leilehua district for students to find jobs and information on education STEM programs.

Cheri Nakamura, HEʻE Coalition, testified that it is shocking to see the breakdown of the offset of general fund shortfalls and respectfully disagrees that the most important thing is to address budget shortfalls. She noted that the Department needs to better articulate how it determined these items were priorities and how these priorities will yield returns.

Linda Elento, public, testified in support of comments regarding students with disabilities and asked that the Board not overlook how to maintain services for students with disabilities.

Susan Pcola-Davis, public, testified that she would like to understand how the Board could discuss two agenda items at the same time because it was confusing and noted that the Committee needs more information while schools wait for money and 3-1-1 is catchy, but has no substance.

Osa Tui, Hawaii State Teachers Association, urged the Board to revisit the 21 hours for professional development because bargaining parties should reinstate those hours negotiated for in 2013. He stated that the hours provide Unit 05 members with much needed professional development.

Committee Chairperson Voss called on Hallett to provide the Department’s recommendation on priority allocations for ESSER II and ESSER ARP funds.

Hallett stated that after an extensive discussion on the previous agenda item, the Department is seeking approval for several items identified to help reduce uncertainty. He stated that non-profit organizations submitted testimony to the legislature supporting the use federal funds to close budget gaps and expressed his surprise that this is no longer supported. Hallett explained that the Leilehua cyber security program and trauma informed care projects will shift approaches and that the state office will discuss with complex area superintendents (“CAS”) how to get resources out to schools.

Hallett corrected an error in charter school allocations; they did not go towards teacher differentials. He apologized that the detailed information is not readily accessible and referenced section V.C. of the memorandum, which shares concerns.

Committee Chairperson Voss stated that he would ask for a motion to approve; however, due to the previous conversation it is likely the Committee will not approve all items.

Committee Member Payne moved to approve the use of up to $176,897,106 of ESSER II and ESSER ARP funds for the 2021-2022 fiscal year for the proposed uses and amounts outlined in Hayashi’s memorandum, dated August 19, 2021. Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin seconded.

Committee Member Payne recognized the need to get some of the funds to schools so the work can continue. She asked if the Department is now having to pay for contact tracing because it was her understanding that this would be handled by the Department of Health (“DOH”).

Hallett stated that during discussions with DOH, the Department was told that schools will need to do contact tracing, which creates additional workload at the school level.

Committee Member Payne expressed concern and noted that this is critical DOH should support the schools. Hayashi clarified that DOH told the Department schools would need to provide close contact communication, where schools communicate with the parents of students may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19; not contact tracing.

Committee Member Arakaki asked about the shortfalls and to share ideas on what the implication would be for schools. Hallett stated that due to budget uncertainty, the shortfalls were gaps created for schools who are waiting for their allocations to be used for the purposes as intended.

Committee Member Namauʻu expressed frustration that the Department needed to endure cuts of $100.2 million to the school budget and that the legislature assumed ESSER funds would fill the gap. She stated that ESSER funds need to be used in a different way and there is an opportunity to ask that the legislature restore the budget Committee Member Namauʻu stated that the legislature needs to see that the Department is working to do things strategically.

Committee Member Payne asked whether the Department will run into a deficit if the offsets are not approved and if there is no money, whether people will be furloughed or if there are other consequences.

Committee Chairperson Voss asked if the Department can continue on a cash basis. Hallett replied that the Department can continue on the cash basis except for the Aukahi new financial management system.

Committee Member Payne asked what will happen with the Barbers Point program. Hallett replied that the Department will assume approval at a future meeting and proceed.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin asked which allocations are projections versus cash.
Hallett replied that this is based on the whole year allocation and focused on increasing federal reimbursements to monitor the extent of the shortfalls the Department needs to look at balancing.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin stated that she understands the nature of funding and allocations, but she is trying to make difficult decisions and the change of funding from general to federal. She asked if the positions are currently vacant or filled. Hallett replied the positions are currently filled.

Committee Member Arakaki stated that regarding 4.01 and 4.02, he understands that there will be anxiety and impact on smaller schools. Hallett replied that is correct and for some schools this accounts for 7% of their total budget.

Committee Chairperson Voss called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion was carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin, Committee Members Arakaki, Namauʻu, Payne, and Takeno).

ACTION: Motion to approve the use of up to $176,897,106 of ESSER II and ESSER ARP funds for the 2021-2022 fiscal year for the proposed uses and amounts outlined in Hayashi’s memorandum, dated August 19, 2021 (Payne/Fallin). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Committee Chairperson Voss called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one provided oral testimony at this time.

Committee Chairperson Voss called on Hallett to provide the recommendations of COW XII regarding the Weighted Student Formula (“WSF”) fund allocation for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. Hallett introduced Chad Keone Farias, Co-chairperson, COW XII, to provide the recommendations.

Farias explained that COW XII was well represented by all islands and districts, and that after careful review is recommending the status quo. Farias noted that each time the weight is adjusted the entire system is affected and the COW XII recommends that the future COW review the recommendation for smaller schools and tighten the application process.

Committee Member Payne moved to approve the changes to the Weighted Student Formula proposed by the COW XII for fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 to (1) reestablish a $3 million WSF Reserve Fund and annual application process and (2) continue funding of $250,000 for each of the eight designated remote schools currently receiving funding. Committee Member Takeno seconded.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin expressed appreciation for the work and noted that based on earlier discussions related to the timing of academic plans and financial plans she requested that the Department work on aligning the timing.

Farias explained that adjusting the timing of academic and financial plans does not fit the scope of authority for the COW XII and noted that the recommendation is not to impact the workload at the school level.

Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin stated that there should be a timeline and emphasized that the timing of the financial plan and academic plans should be in alignment.

Committee Member Namau’u asked for clarification on the small school allocations and asked where the funding is coming from. Farias replied that previously during COW XI, the small school allocation was recommended so that these schools receive additional funds for three years, which provides the Department with more time to reestablish the application process.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, echoed comments shared by other members and asked if the Department using federal funding for small and remote schools was discussed by COW XII.

Farias stated that the small schools discussion relates to how those schools can stand on their own, but COW XII recognized that the authority for how to allocate the funds is not under its jurisdiction.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, asked when the discussion will happen since the Department is suggesting that a future COW develop a solution.

Farias replied that since COW XII was tasked with the distribution of the weight and not the permanent solution for smaller schools, the COW XII addressed the statutory requirement to find the weight of one.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, noted that the small school allocation discussion is not for the COW but rather the Board should look into this process.

Farias stated that the responsibility rests on many entities and noted that the difficult topic of school closures rests with the Board and superintendent.

Board Member Uemura, ex officio, expressed appreciation for the work and asked if having the Board participate as an ex-officio requires that the COW composition be changed but is something Committee Chairperson Voss will initiate.

Committee Chairperson Voss requested that the Department provide a follow up and response relating to the small school discussion. Board Member Uemura, ex officio, replied that a response from the Department is sufficient.

Committee Chairperson Voss asked about the timing of academic and financial plans because it is unusual to look at the effectiveness of those plans to provide adequate information to parents and schools. He also asked what concerns were expressed regarding academic and financial plans.

Farias shared that the main concern relating to academic and financial plan timing is having two different deadlines and most comments were that the schools need to have more time.

Committee Chairperson Voss called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion was carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Committee Vice Chairperson Fallin, Committee Members Arakaki, Namauʻu, Payne, and Takeno).

ACTION: Motion to approve the changes to the Weighted Student Formula proposed by the COW XII for fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 to (1) reestablish a $3 million WSF Reserve Fund and annual application process and (2) continue funding of $250,000 for each of the eight designated remote schools currently receiving funding (Payne/Takeno). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


V. Late Public Testimony on Board Agenda Items

Committee Chairperson Voss called for public testimony from any individuals who did not have an opportunity to testify on earlier agenda items.

Paula Adams, Hawaii Afterschool Alliance, testified on agenda item III.A on the Department’s allocation plan for use of federal funds in ESSER II and ESSER ARP funds. She expressed appreciation for the proposal and requested that every effort be made to bring programs to schools given the additional allocations.

Linda Elento, public, testified on agenda item III.A on the Department’s allocation plan for use of federal funds in ESSER II and ESSER ARP funds. She requested that the Board and Department use the funds for children with disabilities to access different programs.

Susan Pcola-Davis, public, testified on agenda item III.A on the Department’s allocation plan for use of federal funds in ESSER II and ESSER ARP funds. She stated the Board was warned that there were not enough details and the committee is making decisions on expenditures without enough information.

Committee members received written testimony before the meeting. The following is a listing of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting.


Name
Organization
Agenda Item
David MiyashiroHawaiikidsCANIII. A. Presentation on the Department’s allocation plan for use of federal funds in the second round of the ESSER II and in the third round of ESSER ARP
Carolyn HayashiLeilehua Alumni and Community AssociationIV. A. Committee Action on recommendation concerning priority allocation of federal funds in ESSER II and ESSER ARP
Kris CoffieldDemocratic Party of Hawaii Education CaucusIV. A. Committee Action on recommendation concerning priority allocation of federal funds in ESSER II and ESSER ARP
Cheri NakamuraHEʻE CoalitionIII. A. Presentation on the Department’s allocation plan for use of federal funds in the second rounds of the ESSER II and in the third round of ESSER ARP; & IV. A. Committee Action on recommendation concerning priority allocation of federal funds in ESSER II and ESSER ARP
Osa Tui, Jr.HSTAIII. A. Presentation on the Department’s allocation plan for use of federal funds in the second rounds of the ESSER II and in the third round of ESSER ARP; & IV. A. Committee Action on recommendation concerning priority allocation of federal funds in ESSER II and ESSER ARP
Paula AdamsHawaii Afterschool AllianceIII. A. Presentation on the Department’s allocation plan for use of federal funds in the second rounds of the ESSER II and in the third round of ESSER ARP
Susan Pcola-DavisIII. A. Presentation on the Department’s allocation plan for use of federal funds in the second rounds of the ESSER II and in the third round of ESSER ARP; & IV. A. Committee Action on recommendation concerning priority allocation of federal funds in ESSER II and ESSER ARP
MIrielle EllsworthIV. A. Committee Action on recommendation concerning priority allocation of federal funds in ESSER II and ESSER ARP
Debbie AndersonIV. A. Committee Action on recommendation concerning priority allocation of federal funds in ESSER II and ESSER ARP


VI. Adjournment

Committee Chairperson Voss adjourned the meeting at 1:20 p.m.