[ BOARD OF EDUCATION ]
6
Windward
James I. Kuroiwa, Jr.
Age: 60 Job: Union representative Past: Chairman, Honolulu County Committee, Republican Party
What qualifies you to be on the Board of Education?
I have been involved in Hawai`i's public education since attending kindergarten at the Lihue Grammar School on Kauai in 1946. I will provide the leadership required to reform Hawaii's public education.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii schools and how would you fix it?
The greatest problem facing Hawaii's public schools is its governance and accountability. I propose to fix it through the shifting of governance from the Department of Education to the community complex boards at the High School Complex model.
How can the board help improve standardized math and reading test scores for Hawaii students?
The Board of Education adopts policy that establishes the minimum standards for math and reading. The Superintendent and the Board must review the results of testing in relation to the approved performance standards and modify policy to create the best environment in which teachers can teach and students can learn.
Laura H. Thielen
Age: 41 Job: Attorney Past: Kailua Neighborhood Board; president, Hawaii Women LawyersWhat qualifies you to be on the Board of Education?
I have two daughters directly affected by the public schools system. I am trained to understand complex statutes and regulations. I can decipher budgets and the flow of money within a large system. I can make solid recommendations on how to best allocate our education resources to benefit the children.
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii schools and how would you fix it?
We have so many problems, resolving one will not "fix" our schools. The biggest issue facing the schools is the "No Child Left Behind" law. If the schools do not meet standards, we will spend too much on transportation, etc. We need to improve our education to meet the standards.
How can the board help improve standardized math and reading test scores for Hawaii students?
By scrutinizing the DOE budget to ensure as much of the funding as possible goes toward classroom teaching, teacher training, tutoring and other supplementary programs and classroom supplies.
Terrance W. H. Tom
Age: 54 Job: Attorney Past: Ex-state representative; ex-member, state Vocational Rehabilitation BoardWhat qualifies you to be on the Board of Education?
My 16 years of legislative experience in the state House; my legal background as a deputy prosecuting attorney, and in private practice since 1973; a product of the public schools; my love and commitment of Hawaii's children expressed through a song I wrote, "Children Like Me" ...
What is the greatest problem facing Hawaii schools and how would you fix it?
"Talk is cheap." Our schools need to know that they will get the necessary funding, support, assistance and delivery of services from our government officials and private sector to launch Hawaii's educational learning to a higher level so our children can reach for the stars ...
How can the board help improve standardized math and reading test scores for Hawaii students?
The DOE needs to provide a more comprehensive curriculum to enable our students to score higher in standardized reading and math tests. We need to provide additional funding and resources for tutorial and other afterschool services to assist students who require extra help. ...
