Stimulus bills prohibit state from reducing public education budgets
Congress prohibited budget cuts to public education in Hawaii in its multibillion-dollar pandemic stimulus bills, making illegal the governor and school superintendent’s plans to slash millions from public school budgets next year and lay off more than 1,000 school employees, the Hawaii State Teachers Associated revealed at a news conference Tuesday.
Testimony: Federal stimulus law prohibits cuts to public education
The Hawaii State Teachers Association strongly urges the Hawaii State Board of Education to delay approving the Hawaii State Department of Education’s stimulus funds plan. If passed, the HIDOE plan will violate recently passed federal law, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133), hurt relations with the state Legislature, and cause long-term, lasting damage to Hawaii’s keiki and their teachers.
Social and racial justice resources in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
While the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our normal activities, HSTA’s Human and Civil Rights Committee compiled the following digital social and racial justice resources in his honor.
Submit testimony to BOE to stop budget, position cuts, and private tutoring
We want to inform board members not only about the impacts budget reductions and proposed position cuts will have on our teachers and students, but that federal funds should not be used to hire private tutors while the state may fire more than 1,000 qualified teachers and other public school staff.
HIDOE details millions in potential cuts for next school year
For the first time Friday, the Hawaii State Department of Education released school-by-school effects of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of budget reductions the governor has directed public schools to endure next school year, resulting in a range of 1,000 to 1,500 job losses, at least half which would affect teachers.
HSTA conducts English learner survey
Those teachers who have EL responsibilities, such as classroom instruction, EL coordination, and/or support for EL services are strongly encouraged to respond.
Waialua High holding dangerous assemblies this week
The Hawaii State Teachers Association is appalled that the principal of Waialua High and Intermediate School is holding assemblies with large numbers of students in the school gym this week, including one scheduled for Friday morning.
Educators across the state begin receiving vaccine
Teachers across Hawaii began receiving the COVID-19 vaccine over the last week. Members reported an easy process and minor side effects, if any.
Update your contact information with HSTA online
If you have not already done so, please create an account on NEA edCommunities and ensure your information, especially your mailing address, is up to date. Important information will be sent to the addresses on file, e.g., voter information our HSTA elections in February, and contract negotiations and ratification.
Register for HSTA’s members-only webinar on assignment, transfer, and staff reduction
On Monday, Jan. 18, at 4 p.m., HSTA will host a “Know Your Rights” webinar to provide essential information regarding your rights and the processes and procedures connected with assignments and transfers for school year 21–22, and what happens if there is a reduction in the number of teacher positions at your school or worksite.