Due to limited funds within the Department of Education, the institution canceled after school tutoring, made less hours for Professional Part Time Teachers, and started furlough Fridays. In the past, DOE implemented school programs such as early morning care and A+ to assist local residents in before and after school child care. However, this year alone has seen the most furlough days and budget cuts the state has ever seen. Hawaii ranked 48 out of 50 states in student achievement scores, ultimately revealing that public school education may not be a top priority in Hawaii.
After Governor Lingle issued the budget cuts of nearly 500 million dollars, results have been increasing furlough days and school consolidations. These are only some of the threatening realities Hawaii's education system is currently facing. The majority of non-certified teachers are the first to be let go as they are easily replaced. Therefore Part-time Teachers (Hawaiian, Music, Art, PE etc,) face the second wave of cuts.
Federal funding for Special Education Services are still going strong by keeping their recommended minutes such as physical, occupational and speech therapy. Parents also receive training on how to cope with DOE administration’s inconsistencies such as misappropriation of funds and school days lost from budget cuts. My roommate is currently on Department Directed Leave with pay till the end of the school year due to a minor allegation. His main concern is how can they afford to pay a substitute teacher AND him when the state is facing tough economic times? What about the children? This example shows a glitch in the education system and improper procedures at the state level.
http://doe.k12.hi.us/news/furlough/index.htm
I feel like our state needs to start making our public schools a priority. It sometimes seems that people complain about it way more than they actually choose to do something about it. The whole situation is sad... because it's the students who are on the losing end of the battle... which in turn will result in a losing society. They're our future... and we need to start thinking of them that way.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand how any leader whatever position they hold can cut money from education. There are many other areas that should be considered before they cut funds from the education sector.How on earth are the Hawaiians going to compete with people from the mainland at this rate? I hope Lingle loses the next election.
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