Honolulu, HI - The Hawaii State Teachers Association is anxious to resume discussions with the state, but is still awaiting budgetary and personnel information promised by the governor's office last Tuesday. According to the HSTA president Wil Okabe, "When we met with the representatives of the Department of Education, the Board of Education and the Office of the Governor on Tuesday, November 24, the governor¹s representatives stated that the $47.5 million which the governor was proposing to reduce furloughs would go entirely to what were termed essential teachers."

"We asked for clarification and data showing what positions were being funded. We were told the requested information would be provided by Wednesday, November 25. Unfortunately, we are still waiting. The data we were promised is needed for the HSTA to formulate its response and proposals to end the furloughs."

"The HSTA team had several questions regarding the 'essential teacher' stipulation, including the definition of essential. It is the HSTA's contention that students cannot be properly educated without the resources provided on a normal school day. For example, many children with special needs require educational assistants who help them while the classroom teacher works with other students. Some of these students need occupational therapists, psychologists and services from other providers as well. Apparently, these critically important individuals are not covered in the funding proposed by the governor."

"In addition, health aides and security personnel would not fall under the essential-teachers rubric, according to the information provided this past Tuesday. The same goes for counselors and other personnel we consider essential for academic achievement, as well as health and safety. The formula for the number of certain personnel, such as vice-principals, that are supposed to be present on campus, would also be abandoned, if we understand the governor¹s proposal."

"All of these reductions in key personnel are deeply troubling to teachers and the failure of the governor¹s office to provide information about them, as promised, or even identify whom they consider essential raises grave concerns."

"The delay in receiving the information notwithstanding, the HSTA looks forward to receiving the promised data and resuming discussions with the employer in order to end the furlough days as quickly as possible."

HSTA President, Wil Okabe