BOE panel backs new
formula for school funding
A state Board of Education committee endorsed a new student-oriented formula for funding the public schools yesterday, a plan supported by Gov. Linda Lingle and some key legislators.
"Let's focus on where we have common ground," said board Chairman Breene Harimoto.
The "weighted student formula" gives principals more control of their budgets and allocates funds to each school based on the needs of their students.
Students who cost more to educate, such as those with limited English, would get a higher "weight," or funding allocation.
The first draft of a feasibility study released last week included a chart of how the formula could affect schools.
But that portion was omitted from the draft approved yesterday, because the impact will depend on chosen funding levels.
The full board will consider the issue on Thursday.