HIDOE implements weekly COVID-19 testing requirement
The Hawaii State Department of Education released Friday instructions for employees to provide proof of vaccination or opt for weekly COVID-19 testing.
HSTA collecting info for testing mandate class grievance
The system is beginning to buckle under the strain of increased school personnel on quarantine and continued days of record COVID-19 counts.
BOE hears about school safety concerns
The Hawaii Board of Education met Thursday afternoon to hear testimony and a presentation from Hawaii State Department of Education officials about school safety issues during the coronavirus pandemic.
‘Enough is enough’: HSTA issues official demand for impact bargaining
In a news conference Wednesday, HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr. outlined the stark discrepancy between what officials are telling the public and what’s really happening in Hawaii’s public schools.
An open letter regarding ‘The Safety Our Students Deserve’
The first weeks of the 2021–22 school year have been incredibly alarming as COVID-19 case counts skyrocket to record levels.
Please submit testimony ahead of Thursday’s BOE meeting
The Board of Education will be meeting this Thursday, Aug. 19. On the agenda for the general business meeting is discussion item VI-A: Presentation on opening schools for the 2021-2022 school year.
‘We cannot allow this type of thoughtlessness to continue’
“Yesterday, Gov. David Ige issued an executive order that prohibits indoor social gatherings of more than 10 people. Schools and classrooms were not included. Many of you reached out, frustrated at the hypocrisy of this order, and I agree completely.”
Resources to ensure ‘The Safety Our Students Deserve’
Safety is at the top of everyone’s minds as coronavirus cases in Hawaii hit record levels and infections by minors make up an alarming proportion of those new cases. Despite these facts, the Hawaii State Department of Education assures the public that there is nothing to be worried about while they have no metrics to determine when it is no longer safe to continue with full classes.
Governor announces state employee vaccine mandate
While HSTA continues to encourage members to get vaccinated, there are individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical or religious reasons, and will therefore be subject to additional requirements. As their employment could be in jeopardy, their rights need to be protected.
HSTA joins other unions in demanding bargaining on key vaccination questions
“The public-sector unions reached out to the governor’s office earlier this week to initiate discussions about the vaccine mandate, but our request was denied. We will continue to fight for open discussions about these important decisions that affect public employees, our government operations, and our community.”