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In the April 2024 report to the Board of Education (BOE), Superintendent Keith Hayashi shared updates on the Department’s supplemental operating and capital improvement project budget requests for fiscal year 2025 and noted that the Legislature’s Conference Committee unanimously approved the Conference Draft of the state budget bill which is scheduled to go before the full Senate and House on Friday, April 26, for approval before being sent to Governor Green. The bill adds $151.6 million to the Department’s FY2024-25 operating budget.

Two bills, HB500 and HB2074, through which additional positions and funds would be appropriated to the Department, are still with Conference Committees with a deadline of Friday, April 26. The Department’s legislative package focused on reducing administrative burdens for schools, keeping students safe and addressing financial shortfalls. 

Superintendent Hayashi concluded his report highlighting awards and recognitions including two recent recipients of the Milken Educator Award, Jade Pham from Kawananakoa Middle and Rory Inouye from Waiakea High, both outstanding educators who were selected for the prestigious award by the Milken Family Foundation. 

Also highlighted was the opening of the Waipahu High Academic Health Center, the first of its kind in the country where students in the school’s Academy of Health & Sciences will get hands-on training working directly with Hawaiʻi Pacific Health doctors and nurses to provide professional services for patients. The 1,870 square-foot center will begin taking appointments from the community this month. 

Finally, the Young Entrepreneurs Program was highlighted. Students in grades 6-12 from 16 public schools developed real-world profitable businesses, selling over two dozen original products featuring locally sourced ingredients like coffee, lavender, macadamia nuts, butter, fruits vegetables and herbs, many of which were grown on their campuses. YEP products were sold by students at the KCC Farmers Market and profits earned go back to the schools to support future educational goals. 

See Superintendent's presentation slides.