HSTA, educators respond to inaccurate claims by governor, superintendent
Nothing would make HSTA happier than if their statements were a reality, but teachers have been telling us the exact opposite.
HSTA alarmed by lack of transparency about coronavirus cases at Hawaii’s public schools
Over the last few days, teachers across the state have contacted HSTA to report confirmed COVID-19 cases at four schools. In each of these cases, teachers were notified, but parents and the greater public were not. This is happening less than one week before students are supposed to return for face-to-face learning and testing on school campuses.
Unions submit joint testimony to BOE on school reopening options
On Thursday, July 30, at 1 p.m., the board will hold a special meeting to discuss school reopening options. The agenda includes three action items that link to background, recommendations, and implications as submitted by the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE). On Tuesday, July 28, we submitted joint testimony with HGEA and UPW on all three action items, which we are sharing below.
BOE to consider school calendar changes because of outcry
BOE Chair Catherine Payne said the board will “hold a special meeting to address the concerns in the testimony about training and health matters that came up. At that point, we could also consider a waiver (of the 180 required student instructional days) for some additional professional development days.”
Shortage differentials to continue following passionate testimony before the Board of Education
HSTA President Corey Rosenlee says the differentials “worked better than our dreams ever imagined,” and not just by filling the actual positions. Rosenlee says higher education programs that funnel educators into these positions also saw a significant increase.
HSTA urges state, Board of Education to delay return of students to campus
The HIDOE and DOH need more time to properly create and implement health strategies to minimize the spread of COVID-19, and schools need more time to prepare educators for an online environment.
HSTA and HIDOE reach agreement on distancing of students in classrooms
We are pleased to report that the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) and Schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto have reached a resolution on distancing of students in classrooms and face-covering requirements.
BOE defers approval of school reopening agreement
After a record number of educators and parents expressed concerns about unsafe social distancing protocols that violate a school reopening agreement between the state and Hawaii State Teachers Association, the Hawaii State Board of Education Thursday night voted to defer approval of the deal.
Superintendent answers questions about possible cuts, HIDOE budget, summer school, and more
The superintendent answered questions that are on many educators' minds, from a potential pay cut and budget issues to how school might look assuming classes reopen in the fall.
Public school classrooms to remain closed through the end of the school year
HSTA President Corey Rosenlee said, “As long as there was ambiguity about when school would open, it made it very difficult for our teachers to plan. Now we know what’s going to happen with the rest of the school year."