Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie outlined a plan he says will decentralize authority in the state's education system and lead to educational improvements.

The proposal, unveiled yesterday, represents the first major policy pronouncement by the longtime politician, who gave up a safe congressional seat in February to run for governor.

Abercrombie acknowledged that his formula was similar to legislative reforms enacted several years ago but never fully implemented.

He also insisted his plan would fare better if he were elected governor because that victory would signal various education interest groups that voters support it.

“;There'll be a clear mandate and a clear message to the Legislature, to the board (of education), to the superintendent (of schools), to the public sector unions and so on that this is the direction that people want us to go,”; Abercrombie told a news conference.

There was no immediate reaction from Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who is expected to challenge Abercrombie for the Democratic nomination, or Lt. Gov. James “;Duke”; Aiona, the leading candidate for the Republican nod.

Education has become a top political concern in recent months as Republican Gov. Linda Lingle, lawmakers, the Hawaii State Teachers Association and school officials have wrangled over budget cuts and teacher furloughs that have left the state with the nation's shortest school year.

Abercrombie's proposal does not directly address the furlough controversy, which might be resolved before the next governor takes office in December.

It focuses on decentralizing authority from state Department of Education headquarters to individual schools. Principals would control their own budgets, educational programs and staffing, and would be offered training at “;leadership academies.”;

“;Instead of it being top down, it's going to be bottom up,”; Abercrombie said.

Teachers would be provided more opportunities for advancement while remaining in the classroom. But they also would face “;more meaningful performance measures”; that Abercrombie did not detail.

The plan contemplates more cooperation with public charter schools, aggressive efforts to capture federal money and creation of partnerships with private businesses and foundations.

“;This election, I believe, is a referendum on leadership, and it starts with education,”; Abercrombie said.

His plan, however, does not explicitly urge the Legislature to send voters a proposed constitutional amendment that would give governors the authority to appoint the school superintendent or state school board.

That might not be politically feasible at present, Abercrombie said. Still, he said he would urge the superintendent to participate in Cabinet meetings.

“;I'd love to be able to appoint the superintendent,”; he said before adding, “;I'm dealing with the world as it is.”;