[ TEACHER STRIKE ]
Q & A Question: How can I find out the latest information on the strike and whether schools will be open?
Possible effects
of a teacher strike
Star-BulletinAnswer: Call 586-INFO (586-4636) beginning Wednesday. Neighbor island callers can use the state's toll-free access numbers followed by 6-4636. Also, log on to the Department of Education Web site, doe.k12.hi.us, for information. Stay tuned to media reports.
Q: If a strike starts Thursday, will schools be open?
A: Schools will be closed on Thursday and Friday. April 9 is the first day schools may open. By 4:30 p.m. an assessment will be made on which schools will be open, partially open or closed for the following school day. The DOE also will inform the news media daily.
Q: What criteria will be used to determine if a school stays open?
A: The principal at each school will see if there is adequate adult supervision, with the health and safety of students being a primary factor. Supervision could be provided by administrators, educational aides, substitutes and part-time teachers.
Q: What happens if a school is open but I decide not to send my child to school? Will my child be marked absent?
A: Students will not be marked absent at any time during a strike.
Q: Will my child be learning anything while at school?
A: The DOE says teachers are required to turn in five days of lesson plans in advance when they know they are going to be absent, but there may be "severe limitations" in educational activities.
Q: Who must report to work?
A: Only members of Bargaining Unit 5 (BU 5), represented by the Hawaii State Teachers Association, will be on strike. All other employers, including those of other bargaining units, are either expected to report to work or could be called in to work.
Q: Will school lunch and breakfast be served if a school is open?
A: Cafeteria workers must report, but the decision on whether food service kicks in will be part of the assessment made daily. Breakfast may not be offered on the first day back to school.
Q: Will there be school bus transportation if schools open?
A: Fixed routes will operate in the event a school opens.
Q: How will sports and student activities be affected during a strike?
A: Any activity that must be coordinated, coached and/or chaperoned by members of BU 5 will be suspended during a strike. Exceptions may be granted by the school principal on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Will the A+ after-school program operate during a strike?
A: If the schools are closed to students, A+ also will be closed at all sites, including those run by private providers. Sites might be reopened on a case-by-case basis.
Q: How will a strike affect student promotion, credits and graduation?
A: If the strike continues for 20 days of instruction or less, no adjustment will be required. The BOE and DOE may require lost instructional time in excess of 20 days to be made up through such measures as an extended school year, structured independent study, e-school courses or programmed learning.
Q: Will classes be held at the Community Schools for Adults?
A: These courses would continue as possible during a strike. Most are instructed by part-time teachers who are not members of BU 5. However, BU 5 members who also work as adult-education PTTs will not be allowed to continue their PTT employment while on strike.
Q: How will a strike affect special-education and Felix-class students?
A: Extended-school-year students will be supervised by 322 special-education teachers who have been deemed essential workers. The Hawaii Labor Relations Board has said that the "essential" designation would be suspended if schools are closed or if no students are present.
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