By Alfred Acenas
EBC Hawaii Bureau
HONOLULU (Eagle News) – In coordination with the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) and other stakeholders, the state’s Department of Education (DOE) submitted late on Monday, July 27, a proposal to the Board of Education (BOE) to postpone the start of the 2020-21 academic year from August 4 to August 17.
The DOE has taken into account the ongoing COVID-19 surge within the Aloha State, which has been reporting double-digit numbers of new cases since July 7.
DOE Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto stated the following on the said proposal:
“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.”
The BOE is expected to make a decision during a special virtual meeting scheduled on Thursday, July 30.
The Hawaii State Board of Education was established by the Hawaii State Constitution, which grants the Board the power to formulate statewide educational policy. The Board appoints the executive officers of the public school system and public library system, as well as the members of the State Public Charter School Commission.
The Hawaii Department of Education is responsible for administering the public school system in accordance with law and educational policies adopted by the Board of Education.
(Eagle News Service)