On July 30, the Hawaii State Board of Education (BOE) voted to change the 2020–21 school year calendar for the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE).
The Hawaii State Teachers Association requested a consultation with the HIDOE on the impact of this change for the dates of Aug. 4 through 14 as outlined in our memorandum of understanding.
Late Monday, we reached agreement on a joint contract interpretation that accounts for the modifications needed to address the operational aspects of what was to be the first nine (9) student days, moving from half student days to non-student days.
This letter reflects our joint agreement and understanding
Under the BOE decision, students’ first day of instruction will be Aug. 17. Therefore, the nine workdays from Aug. 4 to 14 are workdays without students and will be used for additional staff training and professional development. To honor the agreements in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the HSTA and HIDOE, teachers will be provided no less than nine (9) hours of teacher-initiated preparation time, which will be provided in blocks of no less than one (1) hour. Each school or worksite principal will determine the dates and times the preparation time will be scheduled and will notify teachers.
We've updated our frequently asked questions page to reflect this change along with information recently released by the HIDOE. Updates address telework, teleconferencing, health screening, masks, COVID-positive implications, workers’ compensation, six-foot distancing and exceptions, leave use, and more to address questions many of our members have been asking. For example:
- What happens now that the Board of Education has delayed the return of students to the school buildings?
- Why are school buildings reopening at all?
- Can the employer ask me questions about my health status on a daily basis and/or make me fill out a daily report or survey on my health status?
- Do I have to stay home if I am feeling sick and/or can my principal send me home if I have symptoms of COVID-19?
- If I test positive for COVID-19, will I be provided extra paid leave for the duration of any quarantine order and/or recovery?
As you review the FAQs, please note the date of the most recent update is listed at the end of each answer.