HSTA re-elects Takabayashi
The teachers union gives its president a second and final three-year term
The current president of the 13,000-member Hawaii State Teachers Association has been re-elected to lead the union for another three years.
"I'm happy to have the opportunity to serve the members again for another three years," Roger Takabayashi said. "It's gratifying that they gave me this opportunity."
Takabayashi won 52 percent of votes cast by about 3,700 members. He was challenged by Joan Lewis, a teacher at Kapolei High School and current HSTA vice president. Voting took place between April 11 and 22. The ballots were counted Saturday.
Takabayashi's second three-year term officially starts on July 8. The president of the union, according to its bylaws, can serve a maximum of two three-year terms.
Takabayashi said he will extend his leave from his position as industrial arts and physical education teacher at Dole Middle School for another three years while he continues his duties with the public schools teachers union.
He taught at Dole for 17 years before he unseated Karen Ginoza for HSTA president in 2003.
"Roger is a very positive man," said HSTA Executive Director Joan Husted. "He is not afraid to stand up when he thinks teachers are not being treated fairly."
"I think Roger's style has been very well received by decision-makers within this community," she said.
Takabayashi, 58, has been visible in testifying before lawmakers at the state Legislature for more funding for the public school system under the 2004 Reinventing Education Act, or Act 51. During this past legislative session, lawmakers approved $20 million. Still, more is needed, Takabayashi said.
Takabayashi has also been vocal on improving the climate for teachers who are overburdened with paperwork due to various mandates and data collection, leaving little time to work with students, he said.
"Teachers are asking, 'Give us time to teach,'" he said. "So much time is being taken away. ... They want to focus on teaching."
Last year, Takabayashi helped in negotiations for a pay increase for teachers. Starting teachers received an increase of about 13 percent, while the highest-paid teachers received an increase of about 9.5 percent. The teachers union will start negotiations for its 2007-2009 contract on July 1.
Others elected to serve the Hawaii State Teachers Association: Wil Okabe, vice president; Karolyn Mossman, secretary-treasurer; Jan Turner, to represent Hawaii teachers on the National Education Association board of directors; Fran Bellinger, to serve as alternate representative on the NEA board.
