HONOLULU — The state Department of Education says it needs $19 million in emergency funding from the state Legislature to cover shortfalls in its school lunch and bus transportation programs.
HONOLULU — The state Department of Education says it needs $19 million in emergency funding from the state Legislature to cover shortfalls in its school lunch and bus transportation programs.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports department officials say they may have to raise the price of meals and eliminate bus routes if the state doesn’t provide the money.
The department is facing the shortfalls during the current fiscal year, which ends June 30.
Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi says state funding for lunches declined three years ago while costs have steadily increased because of inflation.
State Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Sen. Jill Tokuda called the shortfalls major concerns.
She says raising school lunch prices and cutting routes aren’t viable options for families.