"With regard to implementation, we are on the same page as the parents and our agreement always provided for the kind of implementation the parents are proposing. We hope this flexibility will enable lawmakers and the governor to do what's best for Hawaii's children by ending the remaining furloughs and getting them back on a normal academic calendar.

"The HSTA does not believe anyone wants to take the option of leaving the status quo in place. Certainly, the teachers have demonstrated that they believe students need to be back in the classroom and teachers want to be there teaching them."

Date: April 16, 2010
BOE CHAIR APPLAUDS PARENT GROUPS' BACKING OF AGREEMENT TO END FURLOUGHS

HONOLULU -- Hawaii State Board of Education Chairman Garrett Toguchi issued the following statement regarding the support expressed today by parents of public school students of an agreement to eliminate furlough days:

"The message from students, parents and the public is clear: education is a priority and students and educators must be back in school on April 23, as well as every remaining day of this academic year and next. I applaud the parent groups for being strong advocates of public education and in part for endorsing the agreement reached among the BOE, the Department of Education and the Hawaii State Teachers Association to eliminate all furlough days. I am encouraged that the Legislature and the Governor will answer the public's urgent call to fund the agreement and provide students with the education they deserve."

Joint Press Conference Between Hawai‘i Education Matters and Save Our Schools Hawai‘i to Announce the People’s Plan
Honolulu, HI
April 16, 2010

The People’s Plan
A coalition of parents, students and community members came together this morning with “The People’s Plan” in response to recent events surrounding the ongoing furlough Friday crisis. Their proposed solution addresses the concerns of every party involved.

How it works:
There are 21 furlough days currently remaining in this school year and the next. The proposal calls for paying for the first nine furlough days, beginning next Friday, April 23rd, with funds offered by Governor Linda Lingle at a cost of $55 million. We appreciate the teachers’ decision to give up six planning days as voted on two weeks ago. That eliminates a total of 15 furlough days. This plan will keep children in school until March 15, 2011, allowing political, educational and community leaders enough time to work out a solution to eliminate the last six furlough days.

Why it works:

• It will end the public school furlough Friday crisis and get children back in school immediately
• It demonstrates that all parties are willing and able to work out a solution that prioritizes education
• It is fiscally responsible and socially aware and leaves more money for other urgent community needs
• It demonstrates a rededication by parents, teachers, students and community to making public school education a priority

There will be a press conference at 12:30 today, Friday April 16 at the Hawai‘i State Capitol Rotunda.

All press welcome.
Press Liaisons: