Christina Kishimoto, Hawaii State Department of Education Superintendent, says that the Hawaii State Teachers Association proposal to delay the reopening of Hawaii’s schools from August 4 to August 17 will be discussed Thursday at the Board of Education meeting. HSTA President Corey Rosenlee says teachers are concerned there is not enough guidance for the teachers, especially on what to do if a student becomes ill.
Kishimoto’s statement:
“HIDOE leadership has been working with the unions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure our students get the education they deserve and our employees have a safe work environment. We have continued these conversations and reached a conditional agreement today to propose a delayed start for students to accommodate concerns regarding employee training.
Throughout our discussions, we were mindful that any adjustments to the calendar must focus on educating and supporting students. We also acknowledge the voice of our families, partners and employees who are not represented by the unions yet are impacted by this decision.
We will use this time to prepare at yet another level, but I recognize this comes at a cost for public school parents and our students. My expectation is that if the Board approves the two week delay, that our labor partners will do an aggressive push to their members to be at schoolhouse doors on day one for our students.”
Community members may listen in on the Board of Education Meeting this Thursday, July 30, at 1 p.m., and also may sign up in advance to submit testimony and may submit written testimony in advance. For full detail, click here for a previous story.