Lingle willing to release $57.2M for furloughs

Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday she is prepared to release up to $57.2 million to restore 11 furlough days in the 2010-2011 school year.

She also called on teachers and principals to work voluntarily for the remaining three Furlough Fridays this year. And she urged legislators to pass Senate Bill 2124, up for a vote Wednesday, which appropriates up to $67 million to restore instructional days for the 2010-2011 school year.

“;Without this bill we will be facing 17 school furlough days when school resumes in the fall,”; said Lingle. “;The Hawaii State Teachers Association has stated they will agree to allowing children back into the classroom for six days when teachers are paid but children are not present. I am glad the teachers union has offered this.”;

The $57.2 million would pay for the remaining 11 days. The legislation does not make hurricane relief money available until July 1.