Today, the Hawaii State Teachers Association reached an initial agreement with the Hawaii State Department of Education regarding the extended spring break and closure of Hawaii public schools.
HSTA leaders spent about three hours negotiating with the employer today to work out a conceptual agreement for our members to work from home. When that agreement is finalized, we will send an email update to our members with more details.
Here's what we know so far:
Schools will be closed over the next two weeks, so no teachers will be required to report to campus during that time. Educators will work remotely starting Monday, March 23. Details are being finalized.
Based on today’s conversations, it is our understanding that the school closures will not amount to a continuation of school. However, learning and enrichment activities will be made available to students and families who want to take that opportunity. In addition, students will not be penalized for failing to participate in enrichment activities.
HSTA President Corey Rosenlee said, “We are glad that our educators will have the opportunity to provide enrichment activities while being cognizant of equity issues for our keiki.”
Today's initial agreement between HSTA and the HIDOE was reached after HSTA filed an amended prohibited practice complaint with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. HSTA also filed an emergency temporary interlocutory order, similar to a temporary restraining order, to keep the state from requiring our members to return to work until “such time that HSTA’s complaint has be adjudicated by the HLRB or the coronavirus (‘COVID-19’) outbreak has ended or is controlled.”
Rosenlee said, “We’re working with the department to make sure we don’t put our educators and students in jeopardy. However, we are still concerned the HIDOE has set a date of April 7 for our schools to open. Instead, the HSTA believes that schools should remain closed indefinitely until we can guarantee that schools are a safe teaching and learning environment.”
We are continuing to pursue our case at the HLRB because we strongly believe that schools should not open until the virus is no longer a threat. Setting a return date for teachers on April 6 and students on April 7 is premature and potentially unsafe.
- View our initial complaint filed with the HLRB
- View our emergency temporary interlocutory order
- Video: HSTA President Corey Rosenlee shares our concerns with KHON2 following today's press conference
We plan to stream a live briefing with the latest updates Friday, March 20, at 3 p.m. on Facebook and YouTube, even if every last detail has not been settled by then.
As always, please check our COVID-19 web page for the latest official information. We appreciate your patience during this difficult time.