HIDOE continues reckless plans despite COVID-19 transmission surge
“With the Delta variant spreading COVID-19 in our communities like never before, this head-in-the-sand mentality jeopardizes all of us.”
Back-to-school message from HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr.
As you are gearing up for the new school year, a lot of uncertainty remains as we await the transition from Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto to Interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi. This transition, coupled with the guidance from DOH released Monday, has further delayed our official meeting with the department to discuss critical issues that are arising.
Vaccinations emphasized in Department of Health’s updated guidance for schools
HSTA President Osa Tui Jr. says he and fellow HSTA leaders are continuing to absorb the updated guidance, and stressed during a news conference Monday that “our teachers have wanted to be back in school with their students for a while now, and they are committed to making their classrooms as safe as possible for their students.”
Teacher colleagues thank outgoing HSTA president for strong leadership, advocacy
Member educators at James Campbell High School in Ewa Beach pay tribute to HSTA President Corey Rosenlee, who taught social studies there for nine years before taking the helm of HSTA. His colleagues reflect on his impact as a leader at the school and across the state.
Hawaii public schools to resume full, in-person learning for 2021–22 school year
As more residents get vaccinated and restrictions ease on public gatherings and other precautions, the Hawaii State Department of Education says all Hawaii public schools will fully reopen for in-person learning next school year.
Lawmakers force HIDOE to improve COVID-19 disclosures
SB811 requires the HIDOE to publish a weekly report starting after July 1 on schools that have a student, staff member, or affiliated individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Lawmakers approve $2,200 one-time teacher payments
HB613, CD2 appropriates $29.7 million in federal COVID-19 stimulus funds for the fiscal year that starts July 1 “for the purpose of educator workforce stabilization to retain teachers; provided that moneys appropriated shall be used for a one-time stabilization payment of $2,200 for each teacher.”
BOE approves federal funding for summer learning loss programs
The Hawaii Board of Education Thursday approved a plan to spend up to $58 million in federal pandemic aid funds on summer learning loss programs, transportation, food service, and student computer devices for the next two summers.
FAQs: Addendum to HSTA’s MOU related to COVID-19 response
This guidance is provided as a member resource regarding the agreement reached with the State of Hawaii and the Hawaii Board of Education to amend the June 2020 memorandum of understanding related to COVID-19 response for school year 2020-2021 and the corresponding coronavirus preparation and response letter dated July 13, 2020.
HSTA reaches agreement to increase 4th quarter in-person learning
The agreement provides a framework to allow schools to increase the number of students returning to campuses in the fourth quarter for in-person learning, especially students in elementary schools.