HSTA President Wil Okabe Statement
December 16, 2009
HSTA put forth a plan that required sacrifice by all parties, including teachers, to reduce furlough Fridays. We are disappointed by the governor’s flip flop Contrary to comments by her representative Linda Smith yesterday and today, the governor continues to insist that all planning days must be sacrificed.
The governor’s plan would leave the DOE $20 million short, which would result in the elimination of essential programs and required services for students, increase class size and result in layoffs of state employees.
In short, the governor’s plan significantly undermines the quality of education and jeopardizes the health and safety of Hawaii’s children. Moreover, it would likely place Hawaii at an insurmountable disadvantage in securing the additional $75 million in Race to the Top funding.
We believe that our plan was the most reasonable alternative to reducing furlough Fridays and would place the state in a strong position to win the Race to the Top grants that will be awarded in six months. If there was ever a time in our state’s history to invest in public education, the time is now. Before us lies an opportunity to make a $50 million investment, which would enable the DOE to position itself for an additional $75 million in Race to the Top Funds. It would be irresponsible not to make an investment that has a very good chance of realizing a 150% return on an investment in six months. The choice is stark: Reduce furlough Fridays and give Hawaii an excellent opportunity to secure $75 million for our education system, or continue with the governor’s plan of furloughs, put the DOE in a deeper hole, and diminish Hawaii’s chances of receiving Race to the Top funding.
Media Contact:
John Williamson
(808) 295-4075
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