Process for schools to waive instructional furlough days
The Governor, Board of Education (BOE), Department of Education (DOE) and the Hawai`i State Teachers Association (HSTA) are looking at ways that some school instructional time can be restored while still allowing the DOE to proceed with furloughs to help close their budget gap. Right now, any parent or concerned individual can make a request to a School Community Council (SCC) to waive taking school furlough days on Fridays. These Councils are "advisory" groups made up of individuals elected by their peers who represent teachers, parents, students, school staff and community members who share in the school decision-making.
The waiver process involves:
• If the SCC believes the request has merit, then two thirds of the teachers at that school must agree with the proposal.
• If the proposal is ratified by the teachers, then the request goes to a special Committee (referred to as the 2 plus 2 Committee,) who then approves the request to the BOE.
• Upon approval of a majority of the members of the BOE, the waiver can be implemented.
• To get waiver requests heard at the next 2 plus 2 Committee, requests need to be submitted by Nov. 13.
Despite the detailed process, at least 80 schools have reportedly submitted waiver requests. The Administration is encouraging concerned parents to contact their SCC to request a waiver.
