Kokua Line
Kokua Line
How does the Department of Education justify paying principals to be site coordinators of the A+ after-school programs? The principals come to work at 8 a.m. and handle the regular business of the school and get paid well for it. Then at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesdays and 2 p.m. on other days, they receive $60 a day as A+ coordinators. Seems like double-dipping to us. DOE gives principals
first crack at A+ spotsThe DOE feels it is getting its money's worth by having administrators who are familiar with the school and work long hours as it is, said spokesman Greg Knudsen.
Although A+ is not an educational program, it is an extension of a school's activities, so it was felt "it would be desirable to have regular school employees involved," he said. Principals were given first option to be site coordinators.
"Principals don't really punch a clock," Knudsen said. "It's not uncommon for them to see 14- to 16-hour days. Probably that's why, out of 177 (A+) sites, only 30 are coordinated by principals -- it's a major time commitment and they do put their school priorities first."
Many of those 30 principals have co-coordinators, in case there is a conflict between school and after-school, Knudsen said.
Coordinators are paid $66.50 a day at the larger sites and $55.10 at the smaller ones.
Knudsen also said the A+ program has been audited several times, and the activities of principals have "not been an issue."
About 21,000 students are in the A+ program, which costs $55 a month (with discounts or waivers given to some families). It operates on fees and a state subsidy of about $9 million a year, Knudsen said.
I have a problem with a beehive under a big branch on my tree. Can you tell me who will remove those bees for free? The state Department of Health's vector control section will remove pesky hives on state property or in emergencies, but it refers most people to professional beekeepers.
It has a list of six keepers, pointing out "there may be a charge for the removal of bees."
The handout also notes that most bees in Hawaii live in trees and other limited spaces, swarming a few times a year when they get too crowded. They are not aggressive unless disturbed, so the recommendation is to stay at least 20 feet away from their flight path.
I bought a washer from OK Appliance Showcase at 1640 S. King St., plus a five-year warranty for $140. I recently called them for something else but found they had closed down. What happens to my warranty? Both that store and the OK TV store at 2615 S. King were owned by the same people. All the other OK stores are separately owned businesses and have nothing to do with each other.
Call the state Office of Consumer Protection at 587-3222. As in so many cases involving businesses that shut down, it's uncertain whether you will be able to get your money back. However, the office can investigate and at least your name and claim will be on file.
It was Patrick and Leilani Zukemura who helped a stranded motorist recently. Their last name was wrongly given. Mahalo correction
To the principal and teachers, especially Mrs. Janice Young, of Jarrett Intermediate School. When my grandson was an underachiever who lacked confidence, Mrs. Young took time to give him special attention. Today, he's an honor roll student. Mahalo
Your school makes it possible for students to reach their greatest potential and instills a lifetime desire to learn.
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com
