The caption goes here. The state auditor says the Department of Education's method of allocating funds to schools on a per-pupil basis may not be sufficient for charter schools. Other methods to ensure they receive enough funding may need to be looked at, said auditor Marion Higa in a report on school allocations released yesterday. In 1994, a law was passed allowing 24 schools to apply for student-centered or charter status.
Charter schools have greater freedom over their budget, curriculum and schedules.
Their funding is based on a lump-sum allocation based on student enrollment. For Lanikai, the funding has been inadequate. When the department first negotiated its per-pupil allotment two years ago, it was barely enough to cover salaries, said Principal Donna Estomago. Receiving the additional subsidy is the only way Lanikai can afford its operational costs, Estomago said. The issue involves equity, said Al Suga, acting deputy superintendent of schools.