HONOLULU – Parents of Hawaii’s public school students are encouraged to complete and promptly return to their school a federal impact aid program survey form that was sent home on September 3.

The annual survey determines the number of federally connected students for whom the state receives federal impact aid​ funds. It can qualify Hawaii’s public schools for more than $40 million in funds.

School districts nationwide determine how to spend these funds. In the past, Hawaii’s impact aid funds have supported textbook and computer purchases, utilities and bus transportation.

“By filling out and returning the survey forms, parents help our schools claim and benefit from Hawaii’s share of federal support," said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. "We highly encourage parents to complete and return the forms – every dollar helps provide a quality education for all students.”

During the 2013-14 school year, the state accounted for more than 28,000 federally connected students and received more than $41 million.

The United States Coast Guard was inadvertently omitted from the form; however, Coast Guard families should include the Coast Guard in the area that asks about “branch of service as of survey date.” Or, they include the Coast Guard in the “name of employer” or “name of federal property” areas on the form. Parents should contact their school in case they have not yet received a survey form. Forms should be filled out and turned in as soon as possible, ideally by September.