HSTA Archived News
All the pieces are in place to end public school furloughs next year
May 4, 2010
HSTA President Wil Okabe said:
The HSTA appreciates Lt. Gov. Aiona's interest in resolving school furloughs on student days, and we hope he will prevail on the Governor to sign the bill passed by the Legislature and then release all of the funds appropriated. The HSTA reached an agreement with the state employer, in this case the Board of Education, which represents the state in a supplemental agreement such as this. Just like any other labor agreement it was sent to the legislature for the appropriation needed to implement it. The agreement contained the option to fund this year and next, or just next year. The legislature appropriated the funds for next year in the amount specified in the agreement. The appropriation bill has been sent to the governor's desk. It's up to the governor to sign it or not. The governor cannot undo the agreement reached between the BOE and HSTA or change the legislation that funds it. Since the funds would not come from the state's general fund, the governor cannot claim that a revenue shortfall is reason to release less than the full amount appropriated.
post date 05/07/10 read more »
Funding the BOE-HSTA agreement
The intent of our agreement with the state was to restore the remainder of furlough days to instructional days this year and next. The legislature has agreed to fund the upcoming 2010-11 school year. The final step is for the governor to sign the bill. It will be up to the governor to decide if a normal school year will be restored in 2010-11. ~ Wil Okabe President HSTA
Honolulu Advertiser Editorial - Work-for-free solution doesn't really work
post date 04/27/10 read more »
Legislative Update
April 17, 2010
The HSTA is interested in several issues related to the funding of SB 2124 SD2 HD1, which provides for the restoration of instructional days by ending furloughs on days that would affect students (although HSTA members will continue to take furloughs on six non-instructional days). President Wil Okabe has sent a letter to House and Senate conferees who are meeting on SB 2124 SD2 HD1 to bring these issues to their attention.
View letter here »
post date 04/17/10
Statement from Wil Okabe on parent plan:
"First, I want to say that the parents have shown amazing resilience and tenacity. They've never given up and I'm convinced that their efforts made a difference," said HSTA President Wil Okabe.
post date 04/16/10 read more »
SIGN THE PLEDGE
Parents and community members have been working with teachers to ask legislators to pledge their commitment to funding and implementing our proposal to restore a full school year for students. Teachers feel students need to be in school and teachers want to be there teaching them. Here is a list of some of the legislators that we have been able to meet with.
Mahalo for your support!
post date 04/16/10 read more »
HSTA Legislative Update
HSTA negotiated an agreement with the BOE to restore a full school year for students. Our teachers affirmed the agreement.
post date 04/13/10 read more »
HSTA MEMBERS LOBBY LAWMAKERS TO FUND FURLOUGH AGREEMENT
Legislators Asked to Pledge Their Support
NEWS RELEASE
Honolulu -- Hawaii public school teachers visited state lawmakers today, urging them to sign a card pledging their support to fund the agreement reached by the Association and the Board of Education that would end furloughs for the remainder of the 2009-2010 school year and the 2010-2011 school year. Both houses of the legislature have passed measures that could fund the agreement. However, the amount of funding remains unresolved.
post date 04/11/10 read more »
HSTA Members Vote in Favor of Agreement to End Furloughs
Action Enables BOE to Request Funding from Legislature
Honolulu -- The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) today announced that its members have voted in favor of an agreement reached by the Association and the Board of Education that would restore a full school year for students and greatly reduce teacher furlough days for the remainder of the 2009-2010 school year and the 2010-2011 school year. The next step will be for the legislature to fund this supplemental agreement to the current master contract. Then it will be up to the governor to release the funds in order for the agreement to be implemented and for students to return to the classroom full time.
post date 03/31/10 read more »
Why the latest HSTA deal makes sense
$92M to end furloughs can be covered by Hurricane Relief Fund
Posted on: Monday, March 29, 2010
Commentary
By Garrett Toguchi and Wil Okabe
The Board of Education and the Hawai'i State Teachers Association have reached an agreement that represents the best opportunity to end furlough Fridays and return students to a normal academic year in a fiscally responsible way.
post date 03/29/10 read more »
New HSTA Executive Director Named
 Al Nagasako
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On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, President Wil Okabe is pleased to announce the selection of Alvin Nagasako as Executive Director. Mr. Nagasako starts his new position March 29, 2010. He was approved by the HSTA board of directors March 27.
post date 03/28/10 read more »
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Lawmakers debated over a demand by the Governor Linda Lingle that some interpret as political blackmail.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHT
 Hawaii News Now Top Story
(Quicktime-download speed varies)
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"At this point she is saying it's my way of the highway. Either get my constitutional amendment to empower me to appoint the superintendent or you get no money from the Hurricane fund or the rainy day fund to end furlough days," said House Finance Chair, Marcus Oshiro.
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post date 03/26/10 read more »
HSTA RECOMMENDS COLLEEN HANABUSA FOR U.S. HOUSE, DISTRICT ONE
Senator's Stand on Key Education Issues and Collaborative Style Are Key
March 16, 2010
Honolulu, HI - After conducting interviews with candidates and careful consideration and discussion by the HSTA Government Relations Committee and approval by the Board of Directors and the National Education Association (NEA), HSTA is recommending Colleen Hanabusa for the First Congressional District Special Election.
post date 03/16/10 read more »
President Wil Okabe testifies on funding to end furloughs
(Excerpts from testimony before the House Finance Committee, March 25, 2010)
Chair Oshiro and Members of the Committees:
The Hawaii State Teachers Association supports SB 2124, SD 2, that makes an appropriation from the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund to restore all remaining lost instructional days for the 2009 - 2010 and the 2010 - 2011 school years that have been negotiated pursuant to the collective bargaining process established under Chapter 89, Hawaii Revised Statutes, with the understanding that a proportionate amount will be dedicated on a per-pupil basis to alleviate the impact of reductions in funding to charter schools for the 2009 - 2010 and 2010 - 2011 school years...
post date 03/26/10 read more »
Hawaii governor, teachers in standoff over furloughs
Lingle plan requires lawmakers to approve amendment abolishing BOE
March 24, 2010
Hours after education officials and Gov. Linda Lingle announced competing proposals to end teacher furloughs in Hawai'i's public schools yesterday, it was already clear that no breakthrough was at hand.
post date 03/24/10 read more »
HSTA AND BOE REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT TO END FURLOUGHS
If funded, no more furloughs this school year or next
March 23, 2010
Honolulu, HI - Today, the Hawaii State Teachers Association and the Hawaii State Board of Education announced a tentative agreement that restores all student days lost to furloughs for this school year, as well as those planned for the 2010-2011 school year.
post date 03/23/10 read more »
QMARK RESEARCH SURVEY:
THE PEOPLE OF HAWAII CARE ABOUT EDUCATION, PUBLIC AND SOCIAL SERVICES
And They Are Willing to Pay for Them
March 17, 2010
Honolulu, HI-The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) released the results of a public opinion survey conducted by QMark Research on public preferences for funding education and other services. QMark Research conducted a study of 501 residents in the State of Hawaii. A total of 353 surveys were done on Oahu, 68 on the Big Island, 50 on Maui and 30 on Kauai, which is proportional to each island's representation in the state's population. The margin of error for a sample of this size is +/- 4.38 percentage points with a 95% confidence level.
post date 03/23/10 read more »
Mililani student tops bee
Pasion outlasts tough field to earn trip to nationals
KANE'OHE - Mililani Middle School student Brysen Pasion is the state's best speller and will represent Hawai'i at the national spelling bee in June.
post date 03/15/10 read more »
Waialua robotics team wins again
The Waialua High School robotics team - known as "the Hawaiian Kids" - have won their second national regional competition in two weeks.
post date 03/14/10 read more »
NEA president to Administration:"Takes working together to improve schools"
"Blueprint" proposal needs redrafting if it is to fulfill America's education promise
WASHINGTON-The White House has announced that the Obama administration's "blueprint" for reauthorization will be forwarded to Congress on Monday, March, 15, 2010. The following statement can be attributed to Dennis Van Roekel, president of the 3.2 million-member National Education Association:
post date 03/14/10 read more »
Budget Cuts
Posted on: Thursday, March 11, 2010
Budget cuts may be amplifying recession in Hawaii
Tax hikes, use of special funds urged to end vicious cycle
Honolulu Advertiser article here »
No more cuts, aid workers plead
Honolulu Star-Bulletin article here»
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Economists: Hawaii should hike taxes to decrease vital-service cutbacks
post date 03/10/10 read more »
APPEAL TO SAVE ESSENTIAL SERVICES FOR HAWAII'S PEOPLE
Featuring Leading Economists and Social Service Providers
WHEN: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Hawaii State Capitol - Auditorium
465 South King Street
Honolulu, HI
post date 03/09/10 read more »
U.S. Department of Education announces Race to the Top finalists
Statement by Interim Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi regarding Race to the Top Round 1
"Upon entering the 'race,' we knew Hawaii was a long shot for being named as a finalist in Round 1. So, while today's announcement was disappointing, we were not surprised. The U.S. Department of Education's comments on our Race to the Top application will help us to be better prepared for Round 2. Round 1 will now serve as a launching point for our Round 2 application, which is due this June.
"Our educators know that reform is needed to improve student achievement in our public schools. We must ensure that each Hawaii high school graduate is college-and career-ready. With that in mind, the Department is moving forward with its reform initiatives to improve classroom instruction, develop a longitudinal data system, support struggling schools, and strengthen policies and practices that will result in more effective teachers and school leaders.
"Over the next few months, we will be working closely with educators, legislators, policy makers, and community partners to strengthen and improve our application and vision for public education in our state."
NEA president stresses importance of collaboration in selection of winners
WASHINGTON-The U.S. Department of Education today announced the 16 finalists for the Race to the Top competitive grant program. The following statement can be attributed to National Education Association President Dennis Van Roekel:
post date 03/04/10 read more »
Letters to the Editor
Published March 1, 2010
Star-Bulletin
Teachers do a lot that goes unsung - Robert Cowie
Education relies on 3 strong legs - Walt Weiss
post date 03/03/10 read more »
NEA president says it's time to renew our promise to children
March 03, 2010
WASHINGTON-U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is scheduled to provide testimony before the House Education and Labor Committee on how strong and innovative education reforms can help rebuild the U.S. economy and restore America's competitiveness. Secretary Duncan will discuss President Obama's education agenda, including his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2011, which calls for Congress to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
post date 03/03/10 read more »
Collaboration is key to improving schools and decreasing dropout rates March 01, 2010
WASHINGTON-Today, President Barack Obama announced new steps aimed at improving the nation's schools and graduation rates. The President detailed plans that would permit school districts to choose from four reform models to improve their lowest-performing schools. The methods include firing staff, closing schools, restarting schools with a takeover by a charter or school-management organization and transforming schools.
post date 03/01/10 read more »
Choosing BOE is a shared concern
Letting governor appoint members politicizes education
Posted on: Sunday, February 28, 2010
Public education emerged as a dominant issue in the 2010 Legislature, largely because of furloughs created by an unprecedented, nearly half-billion-dollar budget cut to schools.
post date 02/28/10 read more »
HSTA President's February 23, 2010 response
President Wil Okabe's response to the governor's public statements:
The governor says the HSTA complaint is frivolous: The governor didn't like the complaint we filed against her when she tried to furlough teachers for 36 days, but we prevailed on that.
If we didn't file that complaint against the governor, students would be missing 36 days or school, not 17. We believe our case against the governor is solid. And that she shouldn't have stopped the process she authorized, which would have ended the furloughs.
The governor says teachers care about money first and the students second: It was the governor, not the teachers that cut the education budget 14% It was the governor, not the teachers who called for furloughs in the first place.
It was teachers who made many efforts to reduce the impact of the furloughs, while the governor never budged.
It was the teachers, along with the DOE and BOE, who reached an agreement to end furloughs for the rest of this year and let the legislature develop a solution for next year.
The governor killed that solution. Teachers are now working longer hours to make up for the furlough days and getting paid less. Teachers spend their own time before and after school and on weekends helping students. They spend their own money on their students. All the governor has done is take away funds from educating our children.
post date 02/25/10
Lingle fires back at HSTA over filing
February 24, 2010
Gov. Linda Lingle called a prohibited-practice complaint filed against her Monday by the Hawaii State Teachers Association "frivolous ," saying it "lacks substance and merit."
post date 02/24/10 read more »
HSTA Files Prohibited Practice Complaint Against Administration
HSTA Press Release
February 22, 2010
Willful Violations of Terms of Agreement between DOE, BOE and HSTA Alleged
The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) filed a prohibited practice complaint against Governor Linda Lingle and State Office of Collective Bargaining Head Marie Laderta this morning with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board for willfully and unlawfully repudiating the terms of the agreement to end furloughs for the remainder of the 2009-2010 school year, which was reached by the HSTA, the Superintendent of Education (Superintendent) and the Board of Education (BOE).
post date 02/23/10 read more »
Manoa Elementary School third grader searching for bone marrow match
 While most 8-year olds are playing video games or participating in an after school sport, Mitchell Ganeku is fighting for his life.
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Mitchell Ganeku needs your help. The eight-year old has been diagnosed with aplastic anemia, and is desperately in need of a bone marrow transplant. By registering as a bone marrow donor, you could potentially help save his life or someone else's.
To help find a donor for Ganeku, and others in need of transplants, the Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry will be holding various donor drives in February.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
80th Annual Kamehameha Schools Ho'olaulea
Kapalama Campus
1887 Makuakane St.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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post date 02/23/10 read more »
Kea'au High wins state LifeSmarts title for 4th year in a row
For the fourth year in a row, Kea'au High School won the state title for the sixth annual LifeSmarts consumer education competition, which was held Saturday at the State Capitol Auditorium.
post date 02/23/10 read more »
HSTA's Funding Proposal
Everyone in Hawaii is facing challenging times. The Hawaii State Teachers Association has a bill to help move Hawaii forward with some long term solutions.
post date 02/17/10 read more »
Judge governor by her actions
Letter to the Editor
Posted Monday, February 15, 2010
The laudable intentions that people avow are often belied by their actions.
post date 02/15/10 read more »
Wealthy must do fair share to help end furlough crisis
Post Date February 3, 2010
Island Commentary by Wil Okabe
Sunday's Star-Bulletin editorial, "Tax hike not the solution," misses the mark from both an educational and economic perspective.
post date 02/3/10 read more »
Investing in Hawaii's Future
HSTA's Proposal to Fund Public Education
HB-2127: HSTA testifies on properly funding education in Hawaii
We appreciate the concern the legislature has shown for addressing many issues facing our educational system, but without adequate funding to education establishing a 190-day student instructional year will be for naught.
post date 02/3/10 read more »
BOE CHAIR URGES GOVERNOR TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR FURLOUGHS, FOCUS ON SOLUTION
February 1, 2010
State Board of Education Chairman Garrett Toguchi called on Governor Lingle today to take responsibility for school furloughs and focus on returning students to the classroom.
post date 02/1/10 read more »
Name in the News
Jim Williams
The interim executive director of Hawaii's teachers union promotes tax increases as the key to stabilizing and improving public schools
post date 01/29/10 read more »
Education is the engine that drives our economy
There is empirical evidence using regional economic models that demonstrates that dollar for dollar, investing in public education grows the economy – more jobs, higher incomes, and reduced disparities – more than tax cuts and corporate subsidies.
post date 01/28/10 read more »
State of the State
January 25, 2010
Statement from Wil Okabe
"It’s unfortunate that Governor Lingle used her final speech to denigrate Hawaii’s public schools and inform our graduates that their accomplishments are consistently mediocre, instead of recognizing the recent progress made in test results, increases in graduation rates, and other accomplishments. She is the first governor to cut financial support to public schools.
It’s also curious that she is promoting a constitutional amendment to place the Superintendent of Education in the governor’s cabinet, considering that she is the first governor not to invite the Superintendent to participate in cabinet meetings. We are now looking forward to working with the legislature to get Hawaii’s schools back on track and restore the number of instructional days taken away by this governor’s actions."
read more »
HSTA seeks help from Hawaii Legislature
Teachers union asking lawmakers to set aside funds to end furloughs
The teachers union, which is at a stalemate with Gov. Linda Lingle over how to end furloughs, has turned to the state Legislature to resolve the issue.
post date 01/24/10 read more »
Good Idea Grant
Application Deadline: Extended to Midnight February 28, 2010
post date 01/13/10 read more »
Lingle announces new plan to cut 24 teacher furlough days
January 08, 2010
HSTA President Wil Okabe said, "Although we have heard through the media that the Governor has developed a new proposal, we have not received anything from the employer group, and thus, we cannot comment on the new proposal until we have a chance to review it and determine what it involves. Unlike the tentative agreement that we reached with the DOE and BOE, we were not invited to collaborate on the plan that we understand the governor has sent to the news media. As always, we remain open and available to discuss ways to end the furloughs. We plan to meet with the DOE and BOE next week to continue our efforts on that front."
post date 01/08/10 read more »
Congratulations to Hawaii’s new National Board Certified Teachers
40 Hawaii teachers are joining the ranks of National Board Certified Teachers. Like board-certified doctors and accountants, teachers who achieve National Board Certification have met rigorous standards through intensive study, expert evaluation, self-assessment, and peer review.
post date 01/08/10 read more »
Governor Rejects Plan to Reduce School Furloughs
January 06, 2010
Statement from Wil Okabe:
"HSTA President Wil Okabe said, "We have not received anything new from the employer group, and we cannot comment on a proposal until we have a chance to review it and determine what it involves. Unlike the tentative agreement that we reached with the DOE and BOE, we were not invited to collaborate on the plan that we understand the governor has sent to the news media. As always, we remain open and available to discuss ways to end the furloughs. We plan to meet with the DOE and BOE next week to continue our efforts on that front."
post date 01/06/10 read more »
Two Hawaii teachers among group honored by Obama at White House
Two Hawaii teachers were among more than 100 educators recognized by President Barack Obama at the White House today for their dedication to mathematics and science.
post date 01/06/10 read more »
DOE Back-to-School Reminders: January 2010
School Calendar
Monday, January 4, 2010 - Teacher work day (no students).
Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - Students return to school.
School Bus Policy Changes Effective January 2010
School Meal Prices Effective January 2010
post date 01/04/10 read more »
Latest Furlough News
December 30,2009
Articles, Opinion & Editorial
post date 12/30/09 read more »
BOE Chair to meet with Governor's Aide over plan to reduce furloughs
December 29, 2009
Hawaii State Board of Education Chairman Garrett Toguchi will be meeting with representatives from Governor Lingle's office on Wednesday, Dec. 30, to discuss details of an agreement reached between the Board, the Department of Education and the Hawaii State Teachers Association to reduce the number of furlough days at public schools. Chair Toguchi will meet at 10 a.m. in the Governor's office with Linda Smith, her senior policy adviser, and Marie Laderta, the director of human resources development.
post date 12/30/09 read more »
Statement from HSTA President Wil Okabe:
December 29,2009
"HSTA is disappointed in the governor’s negative response to the agreement it reached with the DOE and BOE to eliminate furlough Fridays and return teachers and students to the classroom."
post date 12/29/09 read more »
HSTA proposal to end furloughs goes to governor
Statement from Wil Okabe on HSTA Board Approving Plan to Reduce Furlough Days:
December 28, 2009
"The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) is pleased that our Board of Directors today approved an agreement with the state Board of Education and the Department of Education to reduce the number of furlough days in the current school year. Under the agreement, $35 million from the state’s Rainy Day Fund will restore five furlough days, teachers will give up two planning days (January 4 and May 27) and the remaining three instructional days will be taken as furlough days at the end of the year."
post date 12/28/09 revised 1:00 pm read more »
Letters to the Editor & Opinions
December 27, 2009
Lingle cares not for kids' welfare...Lingle's actions don't put kids first...
post date 12/27/09 read more »
HSTA reached a tentative agreement
December 23, 2009
HSTA President Wil Okabe Statement:
"This morning, HSTA reached a tentative settlement in principle with the Board of Education and the Department of Education to reduce furlough days. Both sides are in the process of gaining approval on the agreement with their leadership, and we will share more information once the agreement is approved. We believe this is a reasonable solution that returns children to the classroom in a safe environment."
post date 12/24/09 read more »
HSTA Media Campaign
Print Ad
"We need the right solution to end furlough Fridays."
post date 12/21/09 view media ad here»
Hawaii teachers say Lingle’s $50M offer won’t end furloughs
Lingle's offer of $50 million to bring teachers back could result in up to 2,500 layoffs
The key stumbling block in returning teachers to the classroom on 27 furlough days is that the $50 million the governor is offering is not enough to cover all costs, union officials say.
post date 12/20/09 read more »
HSTA News Coverage
December 17,2009
Read articles by the Honolulu Advertiser and Star Bulletin on furlough negotiations.
post date 12/17/09 read more »
HSTA President Wil Okabe Statement
December 16,2009
The following statement was issued by President Wil Okabe this afternoon:
HSTA put forth a plan that required sacrifice by all parties, including teachers, to reduce furlough Fridays. We are disappointed by the governor’s flip flop Contrary to comments by her representative Linda Smith yesterday and today, the governor continues to insist that all planning days must be sacrificed.
read more »
BOE Chair statement on negotiations to reduce furloughs
December 16, 2009
HONOLULU -- Hawaii State Board of Education Chairman Garrett Toguchi issued the following statement today regarding contract negotiations with the Hawaii State Teachers Association and Governor Linda Lingle aimed at reducing the number of public school furloughs
read more »
Lingle to work with teachers to keep planning days
December 15, 2009
Regarding 12/15/09 meetings with representatives from the state, Wil Okabe, HSTA President, said, "Today's talks with the governor's office and representatives of the DOE and BOE were productive. We are hopeful that our ideas are being carefully considered, and we look forward to further discussions tomorrow".
In response to the statement by Linda Smith, Okabe added, "Hawaii's teachers will be glad to know the governor understands the need for planning days".
post date 12/16/09 read more »
HSTA Media Campaigns
Radio Ad
"I started my career as a teacher..."
Annette Nishikawa, Principal Kapolei Middle School
Print Ad
"We need more than a skeleton crew to educate Hawaii's children."
post date 12/14/09 view media ads here»
Parent of a public school student
Radio Ad
"Our children deserve a safe, healthy learning environment everyday."
Janice Kaulukukui, Parent of a public school student
post date 12/11/09 radio ad here »
Planning Days
Hawaii Tribune-Herald Letter
"I'm writing to commend Wil Okabe, president of the HSTA, and the teachers for its stance on "planning days."
post date 12/04/09 read more »
HSTA Furlough Fridays Media Campaigns
Radio Ad
"All children deserve a quality education."
Dennis Tynan, Nanakuli High & Intermediate School
Print Ad
"We all want teachers back in the clasroom on furlough Fridays."
post date 12/04/09 view media ads here»
Letters to the Editor
post date 12/03/09 read Letters to the Editor»
Education is wrong place to seek cuts, official warns
State urged to find ways to fix budget without taking from children
WAIMANALO - A federal education official who's in the Islands to learn about the challenges and successes in Hawai'i schools yesterday said the state needs to do more to eliminate furlough days and keep children in the classrooms.
post date 12/01/09 read more »
Furlough solution might forfeit prep days
Public school teachers would have to sacrifice their own time for class preparation under Gov. Linda Lingle's proposal to end Furlough Fridays for schools, a key administration official says.
post date 11/28/09 read more »
Hawaii furlough deal still on table, governor's adviser says
If teachers want planning days, they must use own time, Lingle official says
Statement from Wil Okabe:
"HSTA is not in a position to reject the governor's offer or make a counter offer because the governor's proposal, at this point, is a concept, not a comprehensive detailed plan. There is a lot of detail missing. We have asked the governor's office to provide the missing detail so we can fully understand what the administration is willing to provide to students on the restored furlough days and how she proposes to pay for it. What we have been provided so far doesn't appear to offer adequate resources to provide quality instruction or even a way to pay for the limited amount of resources that were in her proposal. I will say that the instructional days are critical to providing quality education. And this is about quality not just the number of days students spend at school."
post date 11/28/09 read more »
Teachers without time to plan would be baby sitters
Island Commentary
"I write neither as a state Department of Education employee nor as a parent of a child in public school (yet), but rather as an objective citizen.
"
post date 11/27/09 read more »
Hawaii teachers' union details concerns about furlough plan
Union details 'major concerns' about Lingle's furlough proposal
The Hawaii State Teachers Association said it has "major concerns" about Gov. Linda Lingle's plan to restore furlough days, which it says results in teachers giving up all of their planning time and pares back services to public-school students.
post date 11/26/09 read more »
HSTA says members unwilling to give up their planning days
The Hawaii State Teachers Association said yesterday that teachers are willing to go back to the classroom on furlough days if they are paid to do so, calling into question a portion of Gov. Linda Lingle's proposal to restore 27 "furlough Fridays" beginning in January.
post date 11/25/09 read more »
Teachers willing to return for restored furlough days
HSTA President Wil Okabe announced (November 24, 2009) that the HSTA met with representatives of the DOE, BOE and the governor's office to discuss the governor's plan to address furlough Fridays. He stated that teachers are willing to return to their classrooms on furlough days, as long as elected officials make education a priority by restoring education funding. As stated by House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro, there are multiple ways to accomplish this without incurring the cost of a special session."
post date 11/25/09 read more »
Legislative session on school furloughs
Statement by HSTA President Wil Okabe
HSTA President Wil Okabe said, "As seasoned lawmakers the Speaker of the House and the Senate President know how the process works. When a formal
proposal is made, we will evaluate the proposal and respond accordingly. If a tentative agreement is reached on the terms for a new agreement between
HSTA and the state, the tentative agreement will be submitted to the Negotiations Committee for recommendation to the HSTA Board of Directors,
both of which are comprised of active teachers elected by their colleagues. Elected officials must respect HSTA¹s democratic decision-making process and
how teachers are represented at the bargaining table."
post date 11/21/09 read more »
Gov. Lingle calls for end to 'furlough Fridays'
Statement by HSTA President Wil Okabe:
"We are pleased that the governor has decided to use the Rainy Day Fund to reduce the number of furlough days. If there ever was a rainy day for Hawaii's public education system, this is it. We believe the governor's proposal represents the kind of viable option we said would be necessary for us to return to the negotiating table. HSTA is committed to finding a solution for resolving the problem of furloughs that will be best for our students and teachers and will improve Hawaii's chances to succeed in the competition for Race to the Top grant funds."
post date 11/16/09 read more »
NEA Dennis Van Roekel responds to NY Times Editorial
"Hawaii's Children, Left Behind" (editorial, Oct. 31) castigated the public school teachers in Hawaii for agreeing to statewide furloughs to help balance the state's budget and implied that furlough days were in some way a desired outcome that Hawaii's teachers actively sought.'
post date 11/09/09 read more »
Hawaii stimulus funds use draws fire
Federal official criticizes state on how it spent aid meant for education
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan wrote governors a letter last April explaining the purpose of $48.6 billion in federal stimulus money meant to stabilize public education during the recession.,/font>
post date 11/02/09 read more »
Commentary
TEACHERS' FURLOUGHS UNDER SCRUTINY
Pay cuts alone don't save enough money
By Wil Okabe
Misunderstanding persists about the Hawaii State Teachers Association contract with the state, which was recently ratified. This is apparent in quotes from several individuals appearing in Star-Bulletin articles, as well as in the letters to the editor. Some writers have seized upon misinformation to attack the HSTA, going so far as to state that HSTA negotiated a new contract with no pay cuts to teachers.
post date 11/02/09 read more »
Union View: State layoffs no solution
Balancing Hawai'i's budget without causing more harm to our economy and severely compromising our quality of life is admittedly no easy task. However, Gov. Linda Lingle's one-dimensional approach to resolving the shortfall through furloughs and layoffs of state workers will only worsen our financial problems.
post date 11/02/09 read more »
Open Enrollment for Bargain Unit 5 Teachers
Announcement for Active Teachers of Bargain Unit 5
Please see the HSTA VEBA Trust Web site for important information regarding the
OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD.
post date 10/30/09 read more »
Wil Okabe elected as HSTA President
Wil Okabe will lead the Hawaii State Teachers Association for a three-year term. The selection of other HSTA office holders was also announced. post date 07/10/09 read more »
Public School Teachers Honored With Presidential Award
Two Hawaii public school teachers are being honored with the presidential award for excellence in math and science.
post date 07/10/09 read more »
Hawaii schools receive $129 million in federal stimulus funds
The U.S. Department of Education has approved $129 million in federal stimulus funds for Hawaii schools, it was announced today.
post date 07/01/09 read more »
HSTA HMA Plan Information
If you are traveling prior to July 1 and need to know your ID # from HMA, please call HMA and ask for the Akamai Way at (Oahu) 954-8796 or (toll free) 1-866-826-5335.
post date 06/22/09 read more »
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