HSTA needs to fill every school-level leader position by early May

The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association is built on the foundation of collective strength, and that strength begins with active, engaged leadership at every school. Since we are right in the middle of election season for school-level leaders, it’s important to understand how vital these roles are to our shared mission.

School-level leaders (known as SLLs) serve two-year terms and are the bridge between you and the broader union. They ensure your concerns are heard, your questions are answered, and your rights are protected. These leaders are your advocates in discussions about working conditions, policies, and the day-to-day realities that affect you most. They also communicate directly with HSTA staff about issues and concerns that come up and send representatives to monthly chapter representative assembly meetings.

Union leadership at the school level ensures that we can:

• Respond quickly to challenges and needs unique to each worksite or school.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with members.
• Strengthen member engagement through organized actions to build solidarity.
• Provide necessary support and representation our members rely on.

Some schools do not have anywhere near the number of faculty representatives they could have advocating for them, and we need to make sure that every post is filled, especially because there may be budget and staffing issues that arise with threatened federal education budget cuts.

Each school is allotted one faculty representative per every 10 HSTA members. HSTA’s Governance Manual and contract also allow each school an Association Policy Committee (APC) made up of one faculty representative, two APC at-large reps and one grievance representative. If your school has 50 or more HSTA members, your APC gets an additional at-large position. You also get another grievance rep once school membership exceeds 100.

Nominate yourself or a colleague you trust, and make sure to vote when the time comes. SLL elections need to be completed and the results turned in to HSTA by May 9.

HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr. said, “This process depends on you. Whether you choose to run for a position or participate in the vote, your involvement strengthens our union and reinforces the democratic principles we stand for. Now more than ever, we need strong leadership at the school level.”

“Together, we can ensure every school has strong, capable leadership that represents us all,” Tui added.