HSTA FAQs on governor’s vaccine, testing emergency proclamation
The Hawaii State Teachers Association has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the governor’s emergency proclamation that requires state and county employees to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit regular test results.
Maui educators speak out asking for consistent COVID-19 protocols, widespread testing
Dozens of educators conducted informational picketing outside of Maui Waena Intermediate School, Maui High School and Kahului Elementary before school started Tuesday morning, chastising the Hawaii State Department of Education for failing to negotiate important safety protocols with the Hawaii State Teachers Association while slowly beginning school COVID-19 testing weeks into the school year.
Honolulu educators urge BOE to direct negotiations for consistent health, safety protocols
Dozens of educators gathered Wednesday afternoon in front of the Queen Liliuokalani Building in downtown Honolulu to raise concerns over inadequate COVID-19 response in schools.
HIDOE, DOH haven’t discussed student vaccine mandate yet
Interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi of the Hawaii State Department of Education came under fire Thursday for haphazard COVID-19 testing in public schools and said he had not held discussions yet with state health officials about a possible vaccination mandate for public school students age 12 and older.
Hundreds of Leeward teachers raise concerns over lack of consistent safety protocols
About 200 Leeward Oahu educators conducted socially distanced information picketing Tuesday afternoon to raise concerns about a lack of consistent safety protocols and an agreement which would enforce safe practices to keep students, school staff and the community safer during the pandemic. Public school teachers across the state will hold similar informational pickets in the coming days and weeks.
HIDOE offers few specifics on when school-based testing will begin
The Hawaii State Department of Education’s plans for free COVID-19 testing at public schools statewide are eagerly awaited by students, staff, and parents, but at a legislative hearing this week, school officials did not answer key questions about when the program will be available at all schools.
HIDOE dodges lawmaker’s question: ‘When will the DOE sign an MOU with HSTA?’
“When will the DOE sign an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with HSTA regarding safety protocols to ensure that there is accountability for violations that occur on school campuses?" a state lawmaker asked top state education officials Wednesday.
HSTA files class grievances over unsafe school conditions, testing mandate
HSTA has filed two class grievances over unsafe working conditions during the pandemic and the state’s directive that unvaccinated education employees must be tested for COVID-19 weekly. Class grievances represent all teachers who have been wronged by action or inaction on the part of the employer.
Lawmakers push health department to do more to keep communities, schools safe
Several state senators Friday raised issues and concerns to Hawaii Department of Health Director Dr. Libby Char over what more the state can do to support schools as COVID-19 cases remain at all-time highs and school clusters have been acknowledged for the first time this school year.
HSTA leaders meet with schools superintendent on COVID-19 issues
Despite HSTA expressing serious concerns about inconsistent protocols and reports from members of transmission of COVID-19 on school campuses, interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi continued to assert that health safety guidelines are being followed and that there had been no evidence of transmission or clusters of COVID-19 at schools.