[ BOARD OF EDUCATION ]

1
Hawaii

David Orin Adams

Nonpartisan

Age: 33 Job: Director of marketing, World Botanical Gardens Inc.; business owner; high school and AYSO soccer coach

What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?

I am a product of a successful public school district. I have two daughters in public school now, and two more will enter in two years. I am a leader, good listener and can follow instruction. I believe in solving problems. ...

What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools, and what would you do about it?

No Accountability! There can be no accountability from the governor, Legislature, Department of Education or even parents or children until we define what roles each plays in the educational process. I will help to define roles. ...

What can the board do to help schools comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Act?

Decentralize the DOE. Elect local school boards. Institute performance-based budgeting and student weighted formula. Spend 90 cents out of every dollar at the school level. Define roles, set goals and measure performance.

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Peter Charlot

Nonpartisan

Age: 58 Job: A+ Aide Past: Spent 30 years on the "front lines" in Hawaii.

What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?

My career has been in education, but I am not educated myself. I dropped out of high school. My main role has been in keeping "at risk" folks from falling through the cracks. Over the years I began to see this as a disservice. ...

What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools, and what would you do about it?

The casualties of the education system are those most likely to perpetuate it. I would attempt to reframe the education debate into one of community dysfunction and work to help us to identify this as society's form of domestic abuse.

What can the board do to help schools comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Act?

Whether we comply ... does not matter. We will not interrupt the cycle of cultural stagnation that hides itself behind whatever "new" program. ... We always speak to change, but any real change has to address the whole society.

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Nadia Davies

Nonpartisan

Age: None given Job: None given Past:

What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?

For nearly 40 years. I have worked in education as a teacher/counselor and school board member on the mainland and in Hawaii. I have also owned and managed small businesses. I believe that all children can be educated if provided ... the opportunity.

What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools, and what would you do about it?

Seeking and retaining the best teachers and administrators possible. With the high turnover in staff, and less than fully trained soldiers, there can be no continuity in the educational program and staff improvement. ...

What can the board do to help schools comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Act?

Realign priorities and allocations to be consistent with federal standards. Seek and retain the best teachers, provide alternative education and decentralize the decision-making process.

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Herbert S. Watanabe

Nonpartisan

Age: 76 Job: Retired. 39 years with Department of Education. Past: Chairman of BOE for three years

What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?

I am a citizen of the United States and Hawaii. I have four sons who graduated from public schools in Hawaii and three grandchildren now attending ... public schools. I qualified for and was elected to the Board of Education. ...

What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools, and what would you do about it?

The most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools is the inadequacy of fully qualified teachers and school administrators. The board needs to support the vigorous recruitment and high-level training and increased compensation ...

What can the board do to help schools comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Act?

The board must work with and support the superintendent and staff in focusing fiscal resources, securing highly qualified teachers and administrators, helping and involving parents in the education of their children.

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