State Board of Education
4 CENTRAL
Eileen Ishihara Clarke
Nonpartisan
Age: 63
Job: Newly retired school renewal specialist, Aiea Complex, Central District, Department of Education
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
My family, children, and I have all attended public schools. I have been a teacher, administrator and an educational specialist for over 35 years in the Department of Education. Also, I've been actively involved in several educational and community organizations.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
Providing students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable them to be productive, contributing citizens. a. Focus on academic achievement. b. Provide students with a broad-based curriculum. c. Address character development.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
Both. Schools are clearer in where they need to go, how they're going to get there, and how they will assess their progress. But all students are expected to learn at the same pace and be evaluated in the same way.
4 CENTRAL
Shirley A. Robinson
Nonpartisan
Age: 55
Job: BOE member
Past: Status of Women's Commission, Aiea neighborhood board member
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
I have learned a lot having served nearly four years as an elected BOE member. I represent the public's voice relative to citizen governance. I am also an advocate for what our children need and what the community wants.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
Hawaii ranks near the bottom of America's public school rating list. I would continue to try to get education stakeholders to cooperate more and seek solutions rather than point fingers.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
Theoretically, the NCLB act is a good thing but it is not fully funded. Therefore, we have to lobby for sufficient funding.
6 WINDWARD
Kris DeRego
Nonpartisan
Age: 24
Job: Speechwriter
Past: I work with several social and environmental non-profit organizations
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
The challenges of the 21st century demand a new standard in educational leadership. As a newcomer to Hawaiian politics, I bring a fresh vision for our schools that puts the needs of our children before the pressures of politics.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
Hawaii's schools currently face a funding crisis that can be solved by a full and expedient implementation of the weighted-student formula. Furthermore, I would call for a bipartisan commission to evaluate and streamline the Department of Education's accounting system.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
The No Child Left Behind Act imposes unrealistic standards on our schools and disregards Hawaii's unique multicultural status. Under NCLB, Hawaii schools can be "failed" and federally restructured for falling short in any one statistical subcategory.
6 WINDWARD
John R. Penebacker
Nonpartisan
Age: 60
Job: Retired library administrator and retired military
Past: 1978 Concon delegate, BOE 1980-1988
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
I served previously on the Board of Education from 1980-1988. Introduced the 2.0 policy and Chapter 19 rule. My three children attended public schools and now my two grandchildren attend public schools.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
Providing a clear and secure school situation. During my previous term on the DOE, I introduced the current Chapter 19 policy, and if elected again, I would work to strengthen this policy by removing students who are unproductive and placing them in alternative school situations.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
NCLB is causing a great harm to Hawaii schools without the necessary federal funding. I also favor allowing states some flexibility in meeting this requirement.
6 WINDWARD
Paul Vierling
Nonpartisan
Age: 54
Job: Business development; BOE member
Past: Business leadership and community service
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
My business leadership and community service enable me to lead with both vision and compassion for all students in Hawai'i. My experience was gained through a career in business management/ownership and serving with community organizations. ...
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
I believe strongly in our school professionals. They need more financial and logistical support, not more bureaucracy! As a businessman and community leader, I know the importance of public education in preparing students with 21st-century work skills. ...
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
The NCLB has both helped and harmed Hawaii schools. This federal law has created extensive amounts of burdensome data collection and reporting that is unfairly impacting teachers and administrators, preventing them from focusing upon the educational mission they seek. ...
AT LARGE
Michael B. Bass
Nonpartisan
Age: 69
Job: Businessperson, retired
Past: I've been a community leader, participated on many boards
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
40-plus years in private sector education. Responsible for the successful education and completion of many millions of students.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
1) Immediately put into effect an adequate "Data Based Accountability System" on the performance levels of the students, teachers, principals and DOE. 2) Annual independent outside audits of the DOE.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
Definitely helping ... because although some may complain, it is causing those involved in education to focus and to look into their actions (good and bad) as educators.
AT LARGE
Darwin L.D. Ching
Nonpartisan
Age: 60
Job: Attorney
Past: Former teacher; board of directors for Palama Settlement
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
Former teacher, public school graduate and grandfather of Denby Nagata, Dara Nagata and Mira Ching (with another Ching on the way). I am committed to public service and education.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
For me, safety and discipline is the key. I would like to be elected to a second term to continue my work as the chairperson of the BOE's Ad Hoc Committee on Safety (Bullying and Harassment, etc.).
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
Both! NCLB has pushed the DOE to make needed changes. However, unintended consequences include an over emphasis on test taking and teaching for the test. We need to teach the whole student to become a fully functioning democratic citizen.
AT LARGE
Henry W. Hoeft Jr.
Nonpartisan
Age: 38
Job: Electrician, journeyman
Past: Electrical apprentice instructor, Honolulu Community College
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
As a parent of two children attending a charter school, I have seen how their school has succeeded in educating the students and maintaining its facilities despite the lack of monies that were only recently increased to help defray the costs. ...
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
Accountability of the monies allocated to run our schools. With all the problems of fixing the buildings to having enough textbooks for every student, I would call for a deep audit, showing exactly where every cent goes ...
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
Both. It helps in that it identifies those schools that are consistently showing failing grades, thereby allowing the federal government to take over to improve learning conditions. It hurts due to the lack of funding to really implement the program.
AT LARGE
Donna R. Ikeda
Nonpartisan
Age: 67
Job: Retired; former state legislator, BOE member, part-time teacher
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
My past employment experience as well as my experience raising three children and two grandchildren.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
Making education relevant to the 21st century. Look at improving teacher training and giving them the necessary resources. Revamp curriculum in the secondary schools. Create and encourage alternative schools.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
It certainly isn't helping. It is a great example of having good intentions and no follow-through. We need to learn that you cannot mandate things without providing the needed funding and resources to make it happen.
AT LARGE
Kim Coco Iwamoto
Nonpartisan
Age: 38
Job: Civil-rights attorney
Past: Therapeutic foster parent; Youth Leadership Development coordinator
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
Member of DOE Safe Schools Community Advisory Committee; participate at BOE & Committee meetings; and advocate for youth. I passionately believe that providing every child a quality education is the wisest investment we can make toward our community's future success.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
Insufficient funding negatively impacts school infrastructure, teacher recruitment/retention, and student learning. Instead of returning half of Hawaii's $574 million tax surplus, we should invest these funds into quality public education and ensure every child has an opportunity to succeed.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
Underfunded mandates are the new bullies on campus. They are forcing schools to teach to standardized tests, not to strengths and challenges of our students. "Higher test scores" should be a byproduct of inspired learning ...
AT LARGE
Brian Kessler
Nonpartisan
Age: Not given
Job: Business develop. strategist
Past: Financial, entrepreneurial, business strategy, community service, entertainment
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
As a father and as a board member of the Manoa Neighborhood Board, Ala Wai Watershed Association, CrimeStoppers, Child Abuse Hawaii and the Hawaii Centers for Independent Living I understand the issues facing our children as they grow ...
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
We must commit ourselves to achieving the goal of providing each and every keiki a high-quality public education. If we do not, the consequences of our failures will resonate throughout our islands and nation for generations to come.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
The act is a wake-up call with the realization that our schools are failing society and as a nation we have lost our once-great dominance in public education to other countries, which in turn threatens our economic security.
AT LARGE
Malcolm Kirkpatrick
Nonpartisan
Age: 57
Job: Tutor
Past: Former DOE teacher; BA, UH (math); Navy veteran
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
I have observed DOE operations from the inside, as a student and teacher. I have studied independently the relation between institutional structure and system performance. I view with skepticism the fads which regularly wash over the DOE.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
As institutions displace parents in education decision-making, overall system performance falls. I support small schools, small, independent school districts, homeschooling and school vouchers.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
NCLB is an unconstitutional intrusion into an area, education, constitutionally reserved to the states or non-state actors (churches, independent schools, families). Whether NCLB will help or hurt Hawaii schools in the long run remains to be seen ...
AT LARGE
Karen Knudsen
Nonpartisan
Age: 55
Job: Board of Education, Oahu-at-Large, director, Office of External Affairs, East-West Center
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
As a current member of the Board of Education, I bring experience and perspective to the board. I've seen progress made and also see how much more needs to be accomplished. I am also a parent of two public school graduates.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
Boosting academic achievement in all grade levels is a high priority. We need to limit multiple new initiatives (federal and state mandates) so that schools can focus on student learning.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
The NCLB concept is admirable and the sense of urgency it imparts has some merit. However, the intense focus on testing and the harsh punishments -- even for schools that show steady gains -- are demeaning and defeating.
AT LARGE
Philmund Lee
Nonpartisan
Age: Not given
Job: Public policy advocate and legislative attorney at the Senate, deputy corporation counsel
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
I have worked at the state House of Representatives and Senate for over a decade as a chief of staff, chief legal counsel and committee clerk-attorney advocating for education and was acting department chair for Education America.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
I would providing greater resources to teachers, empowering and freeing them up from routine burgeoning bureaucracy, allowing them greater latitude to focus on improving classroom instruction and implementing pedagogical methodologies.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
It helps Hawaii's schools since it provides some additional federal resources, but in many ways it fails short in the way it is structured and implemented. It provides a one-sizefits-all approach to Hawaii unique educational situation.
AT LARGE
Bob McDermott
Nonpartisan
Age: 43
Job: Executive director of the Navy League
Past: Served in the state House , former Marine officer
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
I spent six years on the state House Education Committee; I am a past college instructor and have an MBA as well.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
I would say we need more focus on helping our children who come from homes where English is the second language. These children suffer a distinct disadvantage when taking standardized tests.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
It is a useful tool; it is helping. Any time you raise standards, you're on the right track. There is no shame in trying to reach lofty goals and falling short. The shame comes from setting your standards or goals too low.
AT LARGE
Liam Skilling
Nonpartisan
Age: 37
Job: Graduate student, University of Hawaii
Past: Elementary, middle and high school teacher
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
My deep commitment to educational excellence. As a Teach for America corps member in East Palo Alto, Calif., I helped rejuvenate a failing school. I carry the belief that dedication and hard work can change the lives of students and teachers.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
Funding and resources to provide outstanding education to all Hawaii students. Parents scrimp and save to send their children to private schools because Hawaii has lost faith in public education. Preserve the equality we have; pursue the excellence we deserve.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
Teachers hate NCLB. It has never been fully funded, takes control away from educators, and in Hawaii has led to public money flowing to private tutors and educational management companies. Stop branding our teachers, schools, and children failures!
AT LARGE
Nancy (Pohaku) Stone
Nonpartisan
Age: 50
Job: Teacher with the DOE
Past: Master's in teaching, doctoral
student Curriculum & Social Inquiry
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
As a professional teacher with the DOE, I have been fighting the corruption there from the bottom up. The bureaucracy crushes accountable front-line teachers. It is time to work from the top on down. Teachers know what classrooms need.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
The overweighted and overpowerful administration leaves parents and teachers voiceless and classrooms poor. It is time to give the power and the money back to the people and establish neighborhood boards so the hui on top doesn't drain the state dry.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
NCLB is hurting!!! No Child Left Behind can only succeed if no other child gets ahead. The refocusing on testing rather than learning creates academic dread. Every school in the country will fail by 2013 as the benchmarks climb.
AT LARGE
Terrance W.H. Tom
Nonpartisan
Age: 58
Job: Attorney
Past: State representative ; chairman of Advisory Council, Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
As a state legislator, I was responsible in writing many of Hawaii's laws. As an attorney, I will be able to understand and interpret policies adopted by the board. ... I will be a strong voice for Hawaii's children.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
Upon graduation, Hawaii's public schools must prepare our students to enter the real world. Our schools need to be fully funded; we need to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers; and our classrooms need to be repaired and well maintained.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
In principle, the No Child Left Behind Act is a sound federal law by providing all children a fair and equal opportunity to succeed with standards and performance goals ... However, lack of federal funding prevents full implementation ...
AT LARGE
Ruth Tschumy
Nonpartisan
Age: 63
Job: Consultant
Past: Teacher, school administrator, educational consultant, writer, mediator, volunteer
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
For almost 40 years, I have lived and worked as an educator in Hawaii. My experience includes being a teacher, school administrator and consultant to schools. In addition I've been an education columnist for both daily newspapers.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
Despite numerous reform efforts over the years, why haven't we seen greater improvement? A restructured Department of Education will make the system more accountable, transparent and cost-conscious, a crucial step in using educational resources wisely to improve student achievement.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
The goal of NCLB is good, bringing all children up to grade level by 2014. It forces Hawaii to face the reality of low scores and take immediate action. But the mandate has serious flaws, one of which is underfunding.
AT LARGE
Brian Y. Yamane
Nonpartisan
Age: 59
Job: Insurance producer
What qualifies you to be a Board of Education member?
I am a father and grandfather with many years of community and legislative experience.
What is the most pressing issue facing Hawaii schools and what would you do about it?
Safety on school campuses. Advocate for a combination of paid security with school and teacher teams.
Is the federal No Child Left Behind Act helping or hurting Hawaii schools? Explain.
Hurting. This is an unfunded federal mandate. Should the board be budgeting to fulfill federal requirements. Or should the board be looking out for the student's best interest?
