In fairness and with respect to the public school teachers on Oahu, let me start by saying how much I appreciate their hard work and my sincere belief that teachers on Oahu are sorely undervalued and underpaid. I sound like a broken record, though, and am constantly shocked at budget cut after budget cut when it comes to education.
So now, in Hawaii, we have been told that the government must cut the budget by $468 million in over the next 2 years. To avoid laying off teachers, the DOE and Hawaii State Teachers Association have agreed, as of September 23, 2009, that teachers will take a 7.94% pay cut and in return, teachers will get 17 furlough days.
What does this mean for Hawaii students? As a practical matter, public school on Oahu now seems to be almost part time. As a result of the furloughs, most Fridays will be missed, leaving a 4 day school week. As it was, one of these days was a "short" day to account for teacher meetings. I am sure this will wreak havoc on many parents' child care schedules and budgets, as well as those of the teachers. Also, it is my understanding that field trips and any special activities will now be cancelled to make up for the extra instruction time.
The only thing else I can say is about this is it is just really, really sad for the students, and places a terrible burden on both teachers and parents. Come on Governor Lingle, can't you figure out another place to make cuts?
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