Restoring Instructional Time for Students

“As the father of four children, I understand why parents are deeply concerned about the loss of instructional time for our keiki,” Lt. Governor Aiona said. 

“Everyone should be focused on the immediate and fiscally responsible solutions currently available to restore instructional time for our children,” the Lt. Governor added.

Some public officials and community members have urged the Legislature to convene a special session or raid special funds to restore instructional days at Hawai‘i schools.

Instead, the Lt. Governor stated that “right now,” BOE, DOE and HSTA can pursue an amendment to their contract to restore instructional time by taking a pay cut or shifting furloughs to non-instructional days, and they have the ability to make it easier for parents and teachers to restore instructional time at the school level.

“Convening a special session of the Legislature or raiding special funds would be premature, as the revenue picture is unclear for the remainder of the fiscal year,” Lt. Governor Aiona said.

The Lt. Governor sent a letter on Monday to BOE, DOE and HSTA leaders to follow up on his invitation.

The BOE, DOE and HSTA agreed to furlough teachers on 17 instructional days this school year and next year in order to help close the budget gap.  Governor Lingle approved the agreement, and it was ratified by Hawai‘i teachers.

Hawai‘i faces unprecedented economic challenges that continue to impact the State’s constitutional obligation to balance the budget, which is based on a projection of future revenues.