[ BOARD OF EDUCATION ]
6
Windward
Laura H. Thielen
Age: 41 Job: Attorney Past: Kailua Neighborhood Board; president, Hawaii Women Lawyers
What 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.
Do you support or oppose taxpayer-supported vouchers so students at underperforming public schools can attend private schools? Explain.
Possibly for students with severe special needs. Otherwise I think we need to give the schools time to meet the new federal and state standards. The federal penalties for failing schools will start soon. We should use funds to meet those standards. ...
Do you support or oppose the state-funded charter school system that gives these schools more autonomy?
I absolutely support charter schools and immersion schools. I would like to see Hawaii develop more public "magnet" schools specializing in math, science and performing and literary arts. We need to encourage school autonomy and entrepreneurship. ...
Terrance W. H. Tom
Age: 54 Job: Attorney Past: Ex-state representative; ex-member, state Vocational Rehabilitation Board
What 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" ...
Do you support or oppose taxpayer-supported vouchers so students at underperforming public schools can attend private schools? Explain.
I oppose taxpayer-supported vouchers so students at underperforming public schools can attend private schools. I am committed in finding ways to make public education better in Hawaii, and not to destroy public education with more competition. ...
Do you support or oppose the state-funded charter school system that gives these schools more autonomy?
There is a definite need for charter schools in Hawaii because they serve to address special community needs which cannot be adequately met by our public schools. For instance, charter schools have found a place in the development of Hawaiian culture and language. ...
