About 8% of the state’s public school students are “English learners,” with the most common first languages being Ilocano, Chuukese, Marshallese and Tagalog.

A long-range DOE facilities plan has identified $7 billion in “top priority” capital needs, from adding more classrooms to repairing aging schools.

The fees on new residential developments in certain areas have proven controversial since they were authorized by the Legislature in 2007.

Damien Barcarse of the Big Island would bring Hawaiian language fluency and cultural knowledge to the position.

After a long absence, Hawaii’s education department is bringing back a committee to advise top leaders on how schools can comply with Title IX.

Versions of a measure giving the state some financial oversight of the schools have cleared both chambers. Opponents say it takes away their autonomy.

Policymakers say more transparency about current spending is needed before more public money is earmarked for schools.

Gov. David Ige’s remarks suggest he believes the statewide school administration, not the office delegated to bolster early learning programs, should be in charge.

While this feedback doesn’t affect the superintendent’s year-end performance rating, it’ll be followed closely by the Board of Education.

School Superintendent Christina Kishimoto is arguing DOE needs to be more heavily involved in the expansion of Hawaii’s pre-K program.

Hawaii’s system was meant to make school funding more equitable. But in places like Hana and Molokai, it’s meant cutting teachers and class offerings.

The Legislature approved creating a state version of the federal Title IX law, but its January 2020 implementation will be delayed.