Gov. Linda Lingle has accused the Hawaii State Teachers Association of focusing more on money than on Hawaii's students when it chose to file a labor complaint against the administration rather than ending public school furloughs.

“;The HSTA's latest action proves once again that the union leaders care more about money than educating Hawaii's children,”; Lingle said Monday night.

“;Instead of accepting the generous offer of $50 million I proposed last November that will allow the immediate return of children and teachers to the classroom, the HSTA is spending their time on frivolous complaints,”; the governor said.

The union filed a complaint Monday with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board, accusing the state of failing to bargain in good faith to end the furloughs.

“;The governor has never shown the slightest willingness to move off of her position,”; said Wil Okabe, HSTA president.

“;The governor has failed to bargain in good faith, ignoring proposals from the other parties and refusing to come to the table to discuss them or present her own ideas to the other parties,”; the union said in its “;prohibited practices”; filing with the labor board.

In September the union and the administration agreed to shut down the state's public schools for 17 Furlough Fridays this school year and another 17 days next year in an effort to deal with a budget shortfall.

But after an outcry from the public, the two sides have been jousting over the issue.

In November the governor proposed using $50 million from the rainy day fund to restore all remaining 27 furlough days this year and next.

The plan required teachers to forfeit planning days and turn them into classroom days, operating schools without full staff.

The union rejected that idea and instead worked out an agreement with the Board of Education to use $35 million to restore furlough days this year and leave planning days intact.

That agreement did not address the 17 furlough days set for next year, and the governor did not sign off on the deal.

Schools have been closed for 11 Furlough Fridays so far this academic year.