Applications accepted for Preschool Open Doors
Applications accepted for Preschool Open Doors
The Department of Human Services has opened an additional application period for its Preschool Open Doors program. Applications are due May 31. Applications will be considered for preschool participation from July 1 to June 30, 2017.
The program provides child care subsidies to eligible low and moderate-income families to pay preschool tuition.
Children must be eligible to enter kindergarten in the 2017-18 school year (born between Aug. 1, 2011 and July 31, 2012). Families are reminded that a child must be five years old on or before July 31 to enter kindergarten. Families may choose any one of the 438 state-licensed preschools. Underserved or at-risk children receive priority consideration and funds are limited.
Applications: PATCH, https://patchhawaii.org/, 1-800-746-5620.
Free meal program expanded to more schools
This upcoming school year, the Hawaii State Department of Education will expand a U.S. Department of Agriculture free meal program, called the Community Eligibility Provision, from seven public schools to 30 across the state.
The program allows a school district, a group of schools or a single school to serve free meals to all students even if they do not qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch reimbursements.
Hawaii Island schools gaining the program are Ka’u High and Pahala Elementary, Keaau Elementary, Keaau Middle, Keaau High, Keonepoko Elementary, Naalehu Elementary, Pahoa Elementary and Pahoa High.
To qualify for the program, a district, grouping or school must have a minimum of 40 percent of its students eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program.
The department of education pays an average of $5.50 per meal. The USDA reimburses the state $3.85 for students who qualify for a free meal and $0.40 for those paying for a meal. HIDOE charges $2.50 for elementary school meals for a total of $2.90 in recouped cost for the state.
Under the program, all students in the school would qualify for the higher $3.85 reimbursement. While the seven schools will no longer be collecting meal monies and ensuring accounts have sufficient funds, families will be required to provide information for data collection.
Info: https://1.usa.gov/1iP9FQI, https://bit.ly/1Kh8SL1.
Applicants sought for Hawaii Supreme Court disciplinary board
The Hawaii Supreme Court is seeking attorney and non-attorney applicants to fill six positions on the Disciplinary Board.
The term of each position is three years, beginning July 1, 2016. Board members serve without compensation, but travel is reimbursed.
The Hawaii Supreme Court Disciplinary Board oversees the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which investigates allegations of attorney misconduct and incapacity, and recommends appropriate action to the Hawaii Supreme Court to effectuate the purposes of its disciplinary rules.
Qualifications include sound judgment and a willingness and ability to devote time to perform necessary duties, including learning the procedures, methods and functions of the board. Other qualifications include experience in specialized areas that will aid in the evaluation and analysis of complaints and recommendations for discipline.
The application deadline is May 16. Those interested should submit a resume and letter indicating their interest to: Gayle J. Lau, Nominating Committee, Supreme Court of Hawaii, P.O. Box 26436, Honolulu, HI 96825.