[ BOARD OF EDUCATION ]

2

Maui

Mary J. Cochran

Age: Not given Job: Attorney; small-business owner Past: Field representative, HSTAWhat qualifies you to be on the Board of Education?

I am firmly committed to the underlying principles of public education. My educational and business background gives me the necessary skills and knowledge to deal with the challenges of education facing Hawaii today.

Do you support or oppose taxpayer-supported vouchers so students at underperforming public schools can attend private schools? Explain.

I do not support vouchers because parents choosing to send their children to private schools do so by choice. To allow vouchers would be taking money from an already limited budget. Unless and until our Hawaii Constitution is amended, public moneys are for public schools.

Do you support or oppose the state-funded charter school system that gives these schools more autonomy?

If charter schools are successful in meeting the requirements of federal law with the moneys allocated to them, the board must seriously consider a statewide transformation of such self-governance. It can do that now by providing noncharter schools with more autonomy.

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Kelly T. King

Age: 42 Job: Hui Malama Learning Center project coordinator Past: Member, Board of Education

What qualifies you to be on the Board of Education?

I feel that my past experience serving on the board was successful in terms of what I learned, the time invested and my ability to represent the public in education matters. ... I have been active in my own children's public education, an experience I deem vital to this position.

Do you support or oppose taxpayer-supported vouchers so students at underperforming public schools can attend private schools? Explain.

I oppose taxpayer-supported vouchers because they would drain the public school system of much needed funding, thus denying those who cannot attend private schools a free and equal education. Also, I think using public tax funds to attend private religious schools is contrary to separation of church and state.

Do you support or oppose the state-funded charter school system that gives these schools more autonomy?

I support any school, autonomous or otherwise, if it does a good job educating students in Hawaii. There should continue to be accountability to a state entity, however ...

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