6 questions for Board Of Education candidates

Of the 10 general election candidates for the Board of Education, eight responded to a League of Women Voters survey distributed in August. Edited versions of the candidates' answers to several of the questions submitted by the league appear on this page.

On Nov. 7 voters will be asked to choose BOE members to represent the Windward Oahu and Central Oahu districts, plus three at-large candidates from a field of six. Two candidates, Brian Yamane, running at-large, and Kris DeRego, running for the Windward seat, did not respond to the league's survey. Information about them is available in the election tab in today's Star-Bulletin.

AT-LARGE

Darwin Ching

» Experience: BOE member, appointed by Gov. Linda Lingle August 2005. Department of Education teacher 1970-73.

» Family: Three children attended Iolani School.

» Special focus: Safety and discipline.

1

Are you in favor of the Weighted Student Formula featured in Reinventing Education Act 51? With which of the modifications in the formula proposed for the coming year do you agree?

No, we need to re-think the whole matter just as the superintendent has done so recently.

2

Frequent criticism of the school system has been the individual schools have too little authority to act independently. On the other hand, many school principals feel threatened by the responsibility that would be theirs if they were granted more authority. How should the Board of Education address this matter?

The key is decentralization, in smaller schools (600-800 students) and in smaller classrooms (1 to 20 or less student-teacher ratio).

3

How engaged would you plan to be as a board member in seeking increased education funding from the Legislature?

The board must be advocates for education but more money does not automatically mean more effective education.

4

As a board member, what kind of policy would you recommend for the schools embodying Hawaii's values of tolerance and respect for diversity?

We must have and implement zero tolerance for harassment, bullying and major violence.

5

What is the purpose of education? Or public education?

The purpose of public education is to have students become literate and functioning citizens who understand and accept their rights and responsibilities in democracy.

6

What do you see as the major current obstacles in school improvement?

Lack of funding control, top-heavy bureaucracy, too many demands on the educational system, unfunded federal mandates, directives such as Act 51, which were thought out before being implemented. These problems have been there for 50-plus years. It is time to re-think and be creative.

Donna Ikeda

» Experience: Current BOE member. Taught part-time in both private and public schools. Former state legislator.

» Family: Three children; all attended and graduated from public schools.

» Special focus: BOE's relationship with Legislature.

1

Are you in favor of the Weighted Student Formula featured in Reinventing Education Act 51? With which of the modifications in the formula proposed for the coming year do you agree?

I think that the intent is good, but it won't work unless all schools are adequately funded first. Then weights can be used for additional funding but it should not result in a situation where schools are pitted against one another.

2

There should be training programs for all principals before they are given additional authority. For example, not all principals are familiar with budgets. There should be a standard format as well as an education program so the budget process is understood before it is handed to them.

3

How engaged would you plan to be as a board member in seeking increased education funding from the Legislature?

That would be one of my strengths.

4

As a board member, what kind of policy would you recommend for the schools embodying Hawaii's values of tolerance and respect for diversity?

I believe that the board already has such a policy in place. If it is not satisfactory, then it should be changed.

5

What is the purpose of education? Or public education?

How could you have a civilized society without education? Public education gives every child the same opportunity to learn to become independent thinkers.

6

What do you see as the major current obstacles in school improvement?

The lack of training for administrators and teachers. Schools led by good principals attract good teachers. We don't do enough to give either group greater opportunities for improvement.

Kim Coco Iwamoto

» Experience: Attends and testifies at BOE full board and committee meetings, which are open to the public.

» Family: State-licensed foster parent to three children who attended public schools.

» Special focus: Civil rights, Legislature.

1

Are you in favor of the Weighted Student Formula featured in Reinventing Education Act 51? With which of the modifications in the formula proposed for the coming year do you agree?

With the scarcity of resources available, WSF is a red herring. Until there is sufficient funding of Hawaii's public education system, there will never be a "fair" formula, which does not have the effect of pitting school against school, program against program and student against student.

2

Schools should have more flexibility to address their specific needs. Some principals are thinking outside the box and experiencing success. However, all state funding should be distributed through the BOE, to avoid schools competing against other schools in the Legislature.

3

How engaged would you plan to be as a board member in seeking increased education funding from the Legislature?

I would be very engaged in this board function since working with the Legislature is one of my strengths. I love educating legislators and giving them the support needed to get a bill passed or stop a bill from passing.

4

As a board member, what kind of policy would you recommend for the schools embodying Hawaii's values of tolerance and respect for diversity?

As a member of the DOE Safe Schools Community Advisory Committee, I support the recommendations being drafted by that committee. As a civil rights activist, I am committed to ensuring that diversity is recognized as an enriching component of learning for everyone.

5

What is the purpose of education? Or public education?

I agree with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that the purpose of education is to teach one to think critically and to develop character and social consciousness. A public education should have no greater or lesser purpose.

6

What do you see as the major current obstacles in school improvement?

Insufficient funding, underfunded mandates, low morale, teaching only to standardized test performance, overlooking unique strengths and challenges of our students, and lack of infrastructure to coordinate community volunteerism and family participation in schools.

Karen Knudsen

» Experience: Currently first vice chairwoman of state BOE. Board member since 1990.

» Family: Two children who attended Hawaii public schools from kindergarten through graduation.

» Special focus: Legislative advocate.

1

Are you in favor of the Weighted Student Formula featured in Reinventing Education Act 51? With which of the modifications in the formula proposed for the coming year do you agree?

The board is grappling with which formula will provide the most logical and fair application of the WSF. The issue has become divisive and emotionally charged. I don't want to see the board adopt a hastily crafted formula for expediency's sake, nor for political reasons.

2

Policies are in place to allow schools a great deal of autonomy. Principals may be hesitant to assume more responsibility because adequate resources have not been provided. The board must determine how to provide the support that encourages principals to grow.

3

How engaged would you plan to be as a board member in seeking increased education funding from the Legislature?

I expect to testify before the Legislature and provide information to legislators to help them in their decision making. It's important for the board to have a presence at the Legislature, especially during session. Advocating for additional funding is critical.

4

As a board member, what kind of policy would you recommend for the schools embodying Hawaii's values of tolerance and respect for diversity?

There are policies in place that speak to tolerance and respect for diversity. The board established an ad hoc committee on safety that's also reviewing bullying in the schools. The board needs to ensure its policies are implemented and adjust or create a new policy if necessary.

5

What is the purpose of education? Or public education?

To provide for a well-rounded citizen, one who can read, write, think critically and contribute to society. Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy.

6

What do you see as the major current obstacles in school improvement?

Besides tangible obstacles like uncomfortable learning environments and lack of resources (textbooks, teacher shortage, crowded classrooms), there is a malaise when it comes to embracing a robust attitude toward education. The plethora of initiatives over the years has taken its toll.

Terrance Tom

» Experience: Past chairman of Advisory Council, Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind. Served as member of the BOE's Special Education Advisory Board. Served on House Education Committee.

» Family: Two children attended private schools.

» Special focus: Legal and legislative knowledge.

1

Are you in favor of the Weighted Student Formula featured in Reinventing Education Act 51? With which of the modifications in the formula proposed for the coming year do you agree?

I do support the intent of WSF. However, by merely distributing the same pot of money to our schools under WSF, funding to many of our schools will be cut too drastically. I agree with the superintendent that we should return to the drawing board to study how much it costs to educate our children.

2

The BOE needs to encourage autonomy. It also needs to ensure that principals receive the support and training for their professional development. Principals need to collaborate with teachers, parents, students and the community in addressing the initiatives in education reform.

3

How engaged would you plan to be as a board member in seeking increased education funding from the Legislature?

As a legislator for 16 years, I always welcomed input from board members on education matters. Education funding is a key component for education reform. I know the legislative process. I will be a strong advocate in seeking funding for education from the Legislature.

4

As a board member, what kind of policy would you recommend for the schools embodying Hawaii's values of tolerance and respect for diversity?

Hawaii is known all over the world as the Aloha State. I am 100 percent in support of values of tolerance and respect for diversity. As a blind student attending our public schools, I appreciated the patience, respect and guidance displayed to me by my fellow students and teachers.

5

What is the purpose of education? Or public education?

The purpose of education is to prepare our students upon graduation to enter the arena of life as responsible, caring, lifelong learners. The purpose of public education is to make education available to all children supported by our tax revenues.

6

What do you see as the major current obstacles in school improvement?

A major obstacle is the lack of full funding of the No Child Left Behind Act and the Weighted Student Formula. The recruitment and retention of highly qualified teachers is another. The challenge to school improvement will be to initiate acceptance and support of meaningful changes.

WINDWARD OAHU DISTRICT

John Penebacker

» Experience: BOE member, 1980-88; served one term on the board at Maryknoll Schools; 18 years as an administrator in the public library system, which is part of the DOE.

» Family: Children attended public schools.

» Special focus: Discipline and character.

1

Are you in favor of the Weighted Student Formula featured in Reinventing Education Act 51? With which of the modifications in the formula proposed for the coming year do you agree?

I'm in favor of the Weighted Student Formula only if full funding is appropriated. Canada and New Zealand both provided the necessary funding so that their schools did not have to cut programs.

2

Schools are allowed to be independent, and principals are not threatened by having more authority. The teachers and principals are represented by collective bargaining agents and the process of negotiation has and will produce positive results for the schools and students.

3

How engaged would you plan to be as a board member in seeking increased education funding from the Legislature?

BOE members are appointed by the BOE chairperson to represent the BOE and DOE at the Legislature. However, if so appointed I would be a strong advocate of the public schools.

4

As a board member, what kind of policy would you recommend for the schools embodying Hawaii's values of tolerance and respect for diversity?

I have been and remain a strong supporter of character education for public schools. I sponsored and authored the Chapter 19 discipline policy some years back.

5

What is the purpose of education? Or public education?

To produce good citizens who are able to function in society on a local, national and international level to make Hawaii competitive in the marketplace.

6

What do you see as the major current obstacles in school improvement?

Requiring programs on schools at both the federal and state levels that are not fully funded (such as No Child Left Behind and the Weighted Student Formula), underfunding school repairs, inadequate salaries for teachers and incentives for teachers in hard-to-fill areas.

CENTRAL OAHU DISTRICT

Eileen Clarke

» Experience: Taught English, ESLL, drama and more for 25 years. Four years as a vice-principal at Mililani High School.

» Family: Four children attended and graduated from Hawaii public schools.

» Special focus: Curriculum, communication, teaching knowledge.

1

Are you in favor of the Weighted Student Formula featured in Reinventing Education Act 51? With which of the modifications in the formula proposed for the coming year do you agree?

Yes, I'm in favor of WSF, with reservation. I believe some of the work done by COW 1 (Committee of Weights) had some merit but the modifications being suggested by COW 2 need more time, study and discussion with schools.

2

The DOE has already given principals and their schools more authority via WSF; going back is really not an option. Administrators need training and support to build a responsive, responsible and supportive team, work with their communities, and make learned and wise decisions.

3

How engaged would you plan to be as a board member in seeking increased education funding from the Legislature?

As engaged as necessary to help the Legislature understand the necessity of supporting and adequately funding the DOE.

4

As a board member, what kind of policy would you recommend for the schools embodying Hawaii's values of tolerance and respect for diversity?

I would recommend policies that are broad-based, fair and feasible.

5

What is the purpose of education? Or public education?

To create an educated citizenry to perpetuate our democracy, care for our people and responsibly lead our nation. The purpose of public education is to fulfill the general purposes of education for ALL students and citizens, without regard to race, color, creed or economic situation.

6

What do you see as the major current obstacles in school improvement?

Insufficient funding; fluctuating, unprepared school personnel; and inadequate community understanding, partnership and support.

Shirley Robinson

» Experience: Current Board of Education member.

» Family: Three children attended both public and private schools.

» Special focus: State library system, understanding of BOE/DOE relationship.

1

Are you in favor of the Weighted Student Formula featured in Reinventing Education Act 51? With which of the modifications in the formula proposed for the coming year do you agree?

Yes, but only if it is properly funded. The school superintendent is considering asking for a one-year delay in implementing WSF due to lack of sufficient funding for the program.

2

Running a school is a complex task. It cannot be delegated to inexperienced entities. The BOE should set policy that directs the DOE to hire administrators with skill sets capable of reproducing successes observed in other benchmarked stellar performing school systems.

3

How engaged would you plan to be as a board member in seeking increased education funding from the Legislature?

If the choice were mine I would change the by-laws of the BOE to allow more than the leadership to lobby the Legislature for more funding. The nature of this question leads me to advise that the by-laws reserve the lobbying function of legislators and the governor to the leadership position of the BOE.

4

As a board member, what kind of policy would you recommend for the schools embodying Hawaii's values of tolerance and respect for diversity?

Hawaii is one of the most culturally diverse states in America. I support a zero tolerance for lack of proper respect for diversity.

5

What is the purpose of education? Or public education?

The purpose of education is to prepare our children to become adults capable of becoming productive members of society. Public education is unexpendable and invaluable to a stable society because it offers a realistic hope of upward mobility to the masses.

6

What do you see as the major current obstacles in school improvement?

Education is not a high-priority item in politics. It is spoken of often by politicians but this rarely translates to a budgetary priority in the allocation of state funds for public education.