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Committee amends HB 904 to keep annual Board report and require Board review of Charter Commission report
Summary
The committee passed amendments to House Bill 904 HD1 to retain statutory language requiring an annual Board of Education report on public charter schools, change references to the Commission where appropriate, and require the Board to review and approve the Commission's report before submission.
The Senate Committee on Education voted March 10 to pass House Bill 904 HD1 with amendments that retain statutory language requiring an annual Board of Education report on public charter schools, change references from the Board to the Charter School Commission where appropriate, and add a requirement that the Board review and approve the Commission's report before it is submitted to the legislature, governor and public.
Edna, Executive Director of the Public Charter School Commission, and Captain Poh, Executive Director of the Board of Education, both testified and said their written testimony stands on the record. "The board does stand on our written testimony in support," Captain Poh said, adding that eliminating duplication in reporting while maintaining transparency and accountability is the intent.
Committee members pressed both agencies on the practical effect of eliminating the Board's separate report. Captain Poh said the Board engages with the Commission through appearances at Board meetings and that oversight can occur through review, discussion and engagement beyond the written report. The Board also adds fiscal data to its report and, when necessary, has in the past provided feedback to the Commission.
The committee adopted specific language to require the Board to review and approve the Commission's report prior to submission and to retain board-reporting requirements in statute while adjusting references to the Commission where appropriate. The committee's recommendation to pass with those amendments was adopted with all five members voting aye.
Votes at a glance: House Bill 904 HD1 — Passed with amendments requiring Board review and approval of the Charter School Commission's report prior to submission; Chair Kidani: aye; Vice Chair Kim: aye; Senator Hashimoto: aye; Senator Keating Hall: aye; Senator McCoy: aye.
The committee said the amendment aims to avoid duplicative reporting while ensuring the Board provides oversight and any concerns are captured before materials are sent to the legislature and governor.
