HIDOE announces changes to COVID-19 protocols
On March 23, the Hawaii State Department of Education issued announcements related to changing COVID-19 protocols. Of note, masks will continue to be mandated in indoor settings such as classroom spaces.
Changes in HIDOE COVID-19 protocols likely; still under review for now
The Hawaii State Teachers Association has reached out to the HIDOE and confirmed that all COVID-19 mitigation and health and safety policies remain in place for now. The HIDOE is awaiting guidance from the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) before announcing any changes.
Submit testimony to the BOE on pressing issues including retention, superintendent
This Thursday, Jan. 20, the Hawaii Board of Education will hold a series of meetings. Agenda items include teacher retention and shortage differentials, the superintendent search, Red Hill water contamination, and COVID-19 update for the 2021–22 school year. If you are affected by any of these topics, please submit written and, if possible, oral testimony. Your voice is necessary to ensure that board members are fully aware of the realities within our schools.
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.
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.”
Educators across the state begin receiving vaccine
Teachers across Hawaii began receiving the COVID-19 vaccine over the last week. Members reported an easy process and minor side effects, if any.