Education needs more funding, not less
Education needs more funding, not less
I was thoroughly disgusted to read of Governor Ige’s intention to veto several bills meant to improve educational services and the lives of teachers and students in Hawai‘i.
Teachers comprise one of the most-underpaid professions in this country. They frequently use their own funds to provide supplies for their classrooms.
Contrary to the notion that they only work for a few hours a day, they constantly spend time at home grading, making lesson plans and contacting parents. They are also required to be aware of and report possible abuse. In these days of potential firearm attacks, they must also figure out how to protect their students should an attack occur.
How do I know all this? My son, his girlfriend and my stepdaughter are all proud teachers.
HB613, which includes teacher bonuses, must pass.
The rest of the education bills (HB811, HB515, HB546 and HB807) are also very important. Of particular interest to me is HB515, requiring the state auditor to conduct a survey of the school food-services branch to identify the amount of local produce being purchased and served in school cafeterias. This impacts not only the quality of the food being served to students but also the livelihood of local farmers.
Despite being a Democrat, the governor appears to have a Republican view of education.
Donna Gould Carsten, Kapa‘a
