The governor also approved the new state budget, and announced he may veto measures dealing with school closures and teacher licensing.

Teachers say lawmakers made significant progress boosting educator morale and retention this session, but debates about campus repairs and construction are ongoing.

Three years after lawmakers first considered making school meals free for all kids, students and teachers are still pushing for change.  

DOE wants more support in keeping unwanted visitors off its campuses, but families say school playgrounds are an important part of the community.

A controversial bill would cut top superintendent positions from the DOE and increase community input in schools. Some families say the change is long overdue.

Freediving is one of the leading causes of fatal drownings for Hawaiʻi residents. Now lawmakers and safety advocates want labels on equipment — and more.

Lawmakers are pushing for the education department to create more hands-on and project-based learning opportunities for students.

The Department of Education’s failure to provide detailed travel records is part of a broader pattern of poor record-keeping for Hawaiʻi schools, lawmakers and government transparency advocates say.

Lawmakers are prioritizing free meals for students and stronger protections for school employees this session, but less than 10% of education bills become law each year.