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Charging elementary and middle school students $4.75 for lunch would be a huge hit to working families, advocates say.

Some principals and state leaders are hopeful that a new preschool in Kapolei will chart a path for other nonprofits and private schools interested in operating public charter programs.

An alternative site is now proposed at Mililani High School, but it could require more state funding.

Some lawmakers and advocates say schools need more help with funding gaps, especially after federal assistance expired this fall.

Growing enrollment and providing mental health services remain a top priority for schools, although teachers believe students are better positioned to learn this year.

The state introduced plans to provide affordable housing to West Maui teachers in 2022, but limited funding and the wildfires halted progress.

The state continues to build more preschool classrooms for 3- and 4-year-olds, but researchers and educators say low-income families need more support to prepare their children for school.

Tutoring centers helping students with private school admissions have become more popular in recent years, but not all families can afford them.

The project would create over 100 units of affordable housing on Mililani High School’s campus, but some teachers and families are calling for more community input.