STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

MINUTES

Thursday, May 7, 2020
Virtual Meeting*

*The Board did not meet at a physical location. Due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor David Ige issued a Supplementary Proclamation on March 16, 2020, suspending Chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes (“HRS”), entitled “Public Agency Meetings and Records,” to enable public boards to conduct business without holding meetings open to the public while considering reasonable measures to allow public participation consistent with social distancing practices.

PRESENT:
Catherine Payne, Chairperson
Brian De Lima, Esq., Vice Chairperson
Kaimana Barcarse
Margaret Cox
Nolan Kawano
Kili Namauʻu
Dwight Takeno
Kenneth Uemura
Bruce Voss, Esq.
Daniella White (student representative)

EXCUSED:
Captain Lyn Yatko (military representative)

ALSO PRESENT:
Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent
Brian Hallett, Interim Assistant Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer, Office of Fiscal Services
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Executive Secretary
Irina Dana, Secretary



I. Call to Order

Board Chairperson Catherine Payne stated that the Board would be holding virtual meetings until further notice. She noted that the public could still call in or log on to listen to Board meetings live. She stated that the live broadcast is audio only for both Board members and the public. She noted that presentations would not be shown on the screen to reduce the amount of bandwidth that the meeting takes up and to preserve the quality of the audio.

The Board General Business Meeting was called to order by Board Chairperson Catherine Payne at 1:32 p.m.


II. Public Testimony on Board of Education (“Board”) Agenda Items Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony. The following people provided remote oral testimony.
Corey Rosenlee, Hawaii State Teachers Association (“HSTA”), testified on the Department of Education’s (“Department”) presentation on the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education; potential priorities for the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) kindergarten through twelfth grade funding for summer months and the 2020-2021 school year; and the initial planning process. Rosenlee detailed a proposal in the Department’s presentation outlining a 20% pay cut for teachers. He stated that pay cuts would have devastating effects on schools, the economy, and students. He noted that veteran teachers would be incentivized to leave the profession; teacher shortages would increase; and fewer students would be interested in entering the education field. He asked the Board to send a clear message that the Board and Department do not support pay cuts for teachers.

Julie Reyes Oda, Nânâkuli High and Intermediate, testified on the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education; federal CARES Act funds. She described the ways in which pay cuts would have devastating effects on teachers, students, and classrooms, and highlighted various alternatives to teacher pay cuts that could be implemented to balance the budget.

Leslie Baunach, Hawaiʻi Association of School Psychologists, testified on the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education; potential priorities for the federal CARES Act funds; and the initial planning process. She stood on her written testimony regarding credentialing for school psychologists. She explained that Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent, described how school psychologists would be manning a crisis line for students, but that is not something school psychologists are trained to do. Banauch noted that credentialing is in place in all other states and explained the importance of credentialing, such as ensuring proper training, protection of students and practitioners, and Medicaid reimbursements. She stated that she would be happy to aid the Department and described how a credentialing process could be implemented.

David Miyashiro, HawaiiKidsCAN, testified on the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education; potential priorities for the federal CARES Act funds; and the initial planning process. He stood on his written testimony. He highlighted areas of relevancy and importance for which the Department could take advantage of federal funds, such as digital infrastructure; subsidies for low-income families; clear and transparent data regarding how many students partake in comprehensive services; clear benchmarks on readiness of all students; summer school; academic gateways; credits for virtual options, career and technical education (“CTE”); computer science and other fields that allow for remote work; and the adoption of trauma approaches.

Amanda Lacar, HSTA, testified on the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education; potential priorities for the federal CARES Act funds; and the initial planning process. She described the effects a 20% teacher pay cut would have on teachers and students. Lacar detailed how teachers would leave the profession, classrooms would lose licensed teachers, teachers would retire earlier than planned, there would be less qualified teachers, and teachers might transfer from special education to general education classrooms. She stated that teaching has a multi-generational effect and emphasized the importance of maintaining quality teacher pay.

Lisa Jensen, Hawaiʻi Friends of Restorative Justice, testified on the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education; potential priorities for the federal CARES Act funds; and the initial planning process. She stood on her written testimony. She detailed that her work focuses on the Kalihi neighborhood, specifically Kalihi Valley Homes, and further detailed that students from this neighborhood are experiencing behavioral problems, especially during this pandemic. Jensen described risk behavior prevention activities these students were receiving prior to this pandemic and noted that behavioral problems might increase as a result of the pandemic. She detailed solutions to address these students, including the Department using CARES Act funding to work with community agencies and provide these students with project-based interventions.

Cheri Nakamura, HE'E Coalition, testified on the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education; potential priorities for the federal CARES Act funds; and the initial planning process. She stated that the Department has not provided clarity and transparency regarding the state of students statewide. She emphasized the importance of the Department implementing a data-driven approach to assess the conditions of schools in order to create an effective budget, plan, and implementation process for delivering education. She noted that community agencies want to help and know where to deploy volunteers to assist school populations with the greatest needs, such as economically disadvantaged students not receiving meals or students who are lacking devices to participate in distance learning. She stated that statewide data is important because it provides a context to determine what is necessary at the local level.

Christine Russo, member of the public, testified on the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education; potential priorities for the federal CARES Act funds; and the initial planning process. She asked the Board to take a stand and make it clear that teacher salary reductions are unacceptable. Russo detailed issues that existed prior to COVID-19, such as teacher shortages, and noted that these issues would only increase if teacher pay cuts were to be implemented. She detailed how teachers would leave the profession, leave the state, or retire early, and noted the long-term ramifications. Russo stated that salary cuts would ultimately negatively affect students.

Deborah Bond-Upson, Parents for Public Schools of Hawaiʻi, testified on the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education; potential priorities for the federal CARES Act funds; and the initial planning process. Bond-Upson detailed the work of her organization, emphasized the importance of parent engagement, and noted her agency’s work in supporting increased pay for teachers. She described the challenges teachers and families are facing during the pandemic, including learning new systems and finding ways in which to support students, and asked the Board to support maintaining teacher pay. Bond-Upson stated that parents are concerned over the Department’s inconsistency and described how frequency of contact with teachers, types of contact, and different systems of learning have contributed to parents’ anxiety and stress. She emphasized the importance of the Department implementing consistent systems. Bond-Upson stated that some families have no devices while other families share devices between multiple students and emphasized the importance of the Department addressing these issues.

Mary Garrett, HSTA, testified on the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education; federal CARES Act funds. She detailed her teaching career, current financial situation, and the negative effects salary reductions would have on teachers. Garrett explained that she accepted a teaching job in North Carolina and noted that other teachers would leave as well if they experience reductions in salary.

Susan Rocco, Special Education Advisory Council (“SEAC”), testified on the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education; potential priorities for the federal CARES Act funds; and the initial planning process. She stood on SEAC’s written testimony. She stated that SEAC’s primary purpose is to make the Department aware of the unmet needs of students with disabilities. She noted that students with disabilities and their families are struggling amidst this pandemic. They require specially designed instruction and few parents know how to deliver this instruction. Rocco asked the Board and Department to prioritize students with disabilities in assigning CARES Act funds and review how to equip and train households on how to support these students.

Hope McKeen, member of the public, testified on the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education federal CARES Act funds. She described how teachers are the state’s foundation and detailed what her workday. She expressed appreciation for the Board approving teacher pay differentials and emphasized the importance of the Board and Department not moving backwards.

Dana Shishido Kobayashi, HSTA, testified on the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education federal CARES Act funds. She stood on her written testimony. She detailed her teaching career, the negative effects of historical teacher pay cuts, and teachers’ increased workload during the pandemic. She stated that salary reductions would lead to early retirements and increased teacher shortages.

Mireille Ellsworth, member of the public, testified on the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education federal CARES Act funds. She detailed her teaching career, personal life, and various pay cuts teachers have historically experienced. Ellsworth stated that there are uncertainties and unknowns moving into the next school year. The Department might have to reduce classroom sizes in order to meet social distancing requirements and would need enough teachers in order to be able to do so. She stated that teachers might leave the state, retire, be unable to return to work due to underlying health issues, or move to a different profession. She asked the Board to support HSTA’s recommendations and noted that teacher pay cuts would lead to a crisis.

Written testimony was received and provided to the Board members. The following is a listing of the people that submitted written testimony before the meeting.

Written Testimony for 20200507 GBM.pdfWritten Testimony for 20200507 GBM.pdf

III. Approval of Meeting Minutes of April 2, 2020

Board Chairperson Payne asked Board members to review the minutes of the April 2, 2020 General Business Meeting.

Board Member Kaimana Barcarse moved to approve the General Business Meeting minutes of April 2, 2020. Board Member Dwight Takeno seconded.

Board Chairperson Payne called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present (Board Vice Chairperson De Lima, Board Members Barcarse, Cox, Kawano, Namauʻu, Takeno, Uemura, and Voss) voting aye.

ACTION: Motion to approve the General Business Meeting minutes of April 2, 2020 (Barcarse/Takeno). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

IV. Reports of Board Committees
Investigative Committee Chairperson Payne reported on the findings and recommendations of the committee tasked with nominating recommended individuals to serve as members on the State Public Charter School Commission (“Commission”).

Investigative Committee Chairperson Payne stated that the committee received seven applications by the application deadline. One applicant withdrew during the committee’s consideration of the applications.

Investigative Committee Chairperson Payne stated that the committee is recommending the reappointment of Dr. Makalapua Alencastre, for a second consecutive three-year term beginning on July 1, 2020 and ending on June 30, 2023; the appointment of Jill Baldemor, for a three year-term beginning on July 1, 2020 and ending on June 30, 2023; the appointment of Terry L. Holck for a three-year term beginning on July 1, 2020 and ending on June 30, 2023; and the appointment of John S.S. Kim, to fill the current vacancy left by the resignation of Commissioner Sylvia Hussey on December 12, 2019, for the remaining term effective upon the expiration of Mr. Kim’s current term on June 30, 2020 and ending on June 30, 2022.

Investigative Committee Chairperson Payne stated that the Board cannot deliberate or take action at this meeting on these findings and recommendations but will do so at a future meeting, pursuant to Sunshine Law.


V. Discussion Items
Kishimoto presented the potential impact of COVID-19 on state funds for education; potential priorities for the federal CARES Act funds kindergarten through twelfth grade funding for summer months and the 2020-2021 school year; and the initial planning process.

Kishimoto stated that the Department is learning how to quickly adapt to changing conditions and noted that effects of the pandemic would last for at least the next 15 months. She stated that the Department is making adjustments as constructively as possible and working as a unified team.

Kishimoto reviewed the general fund budget. She detailed that the Department captures more than 23% and makes up a significant piece of the State’s entire general fund budget. She explained that the Legislature prioritizes budget needs and state interests, including retirement funds, public safety, health, and human services. Kishimoto reviewed the total state budget and stated that the Department’s fiscal responsibility is to spend funds prudently.

Kishimoto reviewed the latest budget information available now and noted that this information is from a presentation made by the Department of Budget and Finance (“B&F”). She explained that B&F made this presentation to communicate the range of possible actions that might be required to close the State’s projected budget gap to the Legislature and unions. She stated that everyone should be aware of this information as discussions move forward and noted that public comments have been made related to this presentation. Kishimoto stated that the public has not been made privy to this presentation and might not understand references made by entities who received this presentation, which is why the Department included this information in its meeting materials.

Kishimoto stated that revenues and expenditures comprise the state budget and detailed funding sources, including general and federal funds. She detailed general fund revenue sources, such as the general excise tax, individual income tax, and transient accommodations tax. She noted that these sources are declining due to decreases in tourism, increases in unemployment, and stay-at-home orders. Kishimoto explained that the Council on Revenues projects tax revenues, including year-to-year changes over a six-year period. The State uses these projections to develop a six-year financial plan. Kishimoto stated that the Council on Revenues meets quarterly, and its most recent meetings were held on January 10 and March 11, 2020. The Council on Revenues would produce another report after its next meeting on May 28, 2020.

Kishimoto reviewed the general fund balance sheet for the 2018-2025 fiscal years, including figures prepared by B&F for discussion purposes only as of April 24, 2020. She stated that these figures set the parameters in regards to the State’s financial plan and budget options. Kishimoto detailed that the Governor’s office shared this information with union leadership, and the Department is sharing it with the Board and public so that everyone is privy to the same information. Kishimoto stated that the Council on Revenues held its quarterly meeting on March 11, 2020 prior to the Governor issuing an emergency proclamation and stay-at-home orders on March 25, 2020. The Council on Revenues lowered its projection at that meeting based on what was known about the COVID-19 fallout at that time. The forecast for the 2020 fiscal year decreased from 4.1% growth to 3.8% growth and the projection for the 2021 fiscal year decreased from 4% growth to zero. Kishimoto emphasized the gravity of these downward adjustments and explained that each percentage point is equal to $74 million in revenue. The decrease in revenue pushed the six-year financial plan into deficit beginning in the 2022 fiscal year based on the State’s expenditure plan. Kishimoto explained that the state constitution requires a balanced six-year financial plan. She further explained that this means that the ending balance in each of the following six years needs to be a positive number when accounting for anticipated revenues and expenses. Adjustments and revenue enhancements need to be made to balance the budget when shortfalls occur.

Kishimoto stated that B&F consulted the Council on Revenues in late March following the Governor’s emergency proclamation for an updated assessment of the effect on tax revenues. She noted that University of Hawaii economics professor Carl Bonham predicted decreases and declines of 16% in revenue in the 2021 fiscal year. She stated that these projections are the best available estimates at this time although unofficial. She noted that the State can anticipate a loss of $1 billion in each year’s revenue projection and stated that this loss would require significant adjustments to the State and Department’s spending plan. Kishimoto emphasized that the ending balance for the 2021 fiscal year would decline from $40 million to negative $1.5 billion if no action were taken to rebalance the budget. She stated that the media has repeatedly referred to the $1.5 billion shortfall, but the Board and public may not have understood the calculations prior to the Department’s presentation. Kishimoto reviewed ending balances for the 2022-2025 fiscal years and emphasized that the State and Department would experience the effects of COVID-19 long after the pandemic ends.

Kishimoto reviewed the draft COVID-19 rebalancing framework and explained that B&F is considering several options to rebalance the budget. She stated that the State previously considered directed leave without pay, but it has shifted to review other options first. Kishimoto stated that the Department applauds the shift and is advocating for alternatives to pay cuts. She noted that B&F is considering a multi-pronged approach of both revenue and expenditure adjustments, including withdrawing proposals for the 2020 Legislative Session that would reduce tax revenues, such as low-income and credit proposals; usage of the Rainy Day Fund, which would require legislative approval; and usage of the Hurricane Relief Fund, which consists of $100 million. She noted that B&F did not factor usage of the Hurricane Relief Fund into its latest draft of options. Kishimoto stated that other potential considerations include trimming the supplemental budget and administrative bills, which includes over $52 million for areas such as teacher differentials, weighted student formula (“WSF”), utilities, financial management system modernization, recurring license costs, and suicide awareness and prevention; restrictions and projected fixed savings; deferring previously ratified and approved collective bargaining increases, which would yield $40 million from the Department; implementing leave without pay for 20% of scheduled work days, which would yield over $270 million from the Department’s budget; suspending other post-employment benefits; and imposing twelve percent across the board on all non-fixed costs. She stated that many options would affect the Department’s expenditures. Kishimoto noted that B&F would continue to consider some of these options, but there has been a shift in mindset and the State and Legislature are reviewing the impacts of these kinds of cuts.

Kishimoto detailed that the Department first announced a one-week extension to its spring break and then decided to close schools for the rest of the school year following the Governor’s emergency proclamation and increasing COVID-19 cases. She stated that the Department would need to continue to adjust to new circumstances in the weeks and months ahead. The Department is providing guidance to its tri-level leadership based on limited information while simultaneously remaining flexible to be able to respond to new information.

Kishimoto stated that B&F issued guidelines for all departments and agencies to control expenditures for the remainder of the 2020 fiscal year and through the 2021 fiscal year on March 12, 2020. On March 13, 2020, the Department issued fiscal management guidelines and asked schools to revisit academic and financial plans and limit expenses. Kishimoto detailed that the Governor instituted a hiring freeze on April 13, 2020 for non-federal, non-instructional positions in response to input from the Council on Revenues and imposed a 2% general fund restriction for EDNs 200 (Instructional Support) and 300 (State Administration). On April 15, 2020, the Department released additional fiscal management guidelines and announced a 50% restriction on non-salary funds for all general fund programs except for WSF, special education per-pupil allocations, community schools for adults, and complex area allocations.

Kishimoto stated that the Department has been in direct communication with the Governor and is participating in his cabinet meetings throughout this crisis. She stated that the Department is preparing preliminary budget adjustment options it could implement on short notice while supporting collective needs to remain focused on student-based decision making and preserving 180 instructional days in the next school year to the greatest extent possible. The Department is reviewing areas of savings to avoid additional cuts to its budgets and has shared identified areas with the Governor and B&F. Kishimoto stated that potential adjustments for the 2020-2021 school year include $18 million in centralized casual hire savings; $17 million in centralized salary savings that would otherwise address shortfalls, innovation, and supplemental allocations to schools; $15 million in student transportation program savings; $50 million in impact aid funds; $6 million in various federal program funds; tentatively $24.2 million in restriction of funds allocated by formula; tentatively $10 million in centralized salary savings; and a to be determined amount contingent upon restoration with CARES Act funding. Kishimoto explained that the Department does not support cutting $10 million in both restriction of non-salary funds and centralized salary savings, but it is requesting that it switch general fund dollars the Department uses for salaries with CARES Act funding to protect its instructional models and the ability to bring back all students and staff the following school year. Kishimoto detailed that the Department is saving approximately $15,000 in electricity costs each day that schools are closed, but it has historically not been allocated enough money to cover utilities. The Department is not projecting surpluses in this area although it is experiencing lower electricity costs. Kishimoto stated that the Department is reviewing the least disruptive budget options and focusing on non-recurring, one-time reductions. At some point, the Department might need to identify reductions in recurring programs, but it is waiting for further guidance prior to doing so.

Kishimoto reviewed federal COVID-19 responses. She stated that the CARES Act created the education stabilization fund to provide emergency funding for public education. She noted that there are three funding sources, including the elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund, the Governor’s emergency education relief fund, and state and local assistance. She noted that CARES Act funding could be used to support public schools but stated that each source has rules and competing needs. Kishimoto stated that it is too complex to determine how much in funding the Department is able to rely on. She reviewed different limitations of each source that affect how entities could use these funds and noted that the federal government is considering expanding allowable uses. She noted that the federal government might address uses in the next CARES Act and could provide more than $500 billion in additional state, county, and government assistance. Kishimoto stated that the Department is currently reviewing the scope and cost estimates of various statewide activities to assist students over the summer and transition to the next school year. She stated that there is uncertainty regarding federal assistance, and the Department hopes to receive additional clarification in the next week or two after the federal government reconvenes. She noted that the State Legislature reconvenes on Monday, May 11, 2020.

Kishimoto reviewed how the Department could use federal COVID-19 funding to address its strategic priorities. She noted that the Department had collaborative conversation with its tri-level leadership, including the Commission, over the last several weeks to determine seven priority areas and three operational areas. The Department’s first priority is summer learning and ensuring the continuity of learning and a blended learning approach. The Department is committed to providing a robust set of learning programs over the summer, including continued distance learning, credit attainment, kindergarten through twelfth grade literacy, compensatory courses, and University of Hawaii courses. The second priority is CTE-aligned paid internships. She emphasized the importance of the Department assisting graduates through paid internships. Kishimoto stated that the third and fourth priority areas are devices for learning and connectivity. She stated that the Department would need to close the technology gap to ensure that all students have devices and expand connectivity through broadband hotspots for students and staff who lack access. She stated that the Department has a number of plans that it would rollout in the next few weeks. She noted that connectivity is connected to equity and is not solely the Department’s responsibility. She emphasized that connectivity is a statewide responsibility and further emphasized that students need to have access to technology and connectivity in today’s economy.

Kishimoto stated that the fifth priority area is a learning and lesson platform. She explained that the Department is working to provide learning platforms to support schools with online, standards-based curriculum and provide teachers with collaboration opportunities. She emphasized that teachers need to have access to user-friendly learning management systems to be able to design, instruct, and collaborate. She detailed that the Department has a number of components in place and is ensuring that learning platforms are available across the state, teachers are prepared to use these resources, and teachers have the opportunity to provide input on their needs. Kishimoto stated that the sixth priority area is quality distance learning training. She stated that some staff are confident in the online environment while others need assistance. The Department plans to use its current insights to review future designs of learning, build capacity for staff to conduct online work, and provide students with future choices. She emphasized the importance of professional development and the need to provide parents and teachers with purposefully designed programs to train those who are new to technology and distance learning. She stated that the Department is reviewing how to help parents support their children to participate successfully in the online environment and creating new forms of family partnerships. Kishimoto stated that the seventh priority area is staffing differentials. The Department is committed to supporting hard-to-staff areas and programs and is reviewing opportunities to use CARES Act funds to pay differentials.

Kishimoto reviewed the Department’s operational priority areas. She stated that the Department is focused on cleaning and acquiring cleaning supplies over the summer to prepare for the opening of schools. The Department is also focused on health and safety and plans to follow appropriate guidance to ensure the wellness of the Department’s students and employees, including ensuring the condition of assets and expanding security. Kishimoto stated that the third operational priority area is transition safety nets. She stated that the Department would need to reserve funds for reopening schools, especially if it reopens schools on a staggered schedule. The Department would need funds for specific resources, such as banners and translated materials. Kishimoto reiterated that the Department and Commission identified these priority areas during its leadership meetings. She stated that she would be meeting with Yvonne Lau, Commission Interim Executive Director, to continue to capture charter school requests.

Kishimoto stated that the Department is reviewing three areas during these changing circumstances, including economic, health, and political areas. She reiterated that the Council on Revenues plays an important role in forecasting the state’s economic outlook, and its next meeting is scheduled for May 28, 2020. She noted that economic factors, such as consumer spending and inflation, would influence and inform forecasts. Kishimoto detailed that health experts continue to issue guidelines for social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. These guidelines would affect how the Department reopens schools and delivers programs. She noted that containment, testing, treatments, and a vaccine would all impact guidelines. Kishimoto detailed political considerations. She stated that the federal government has passed several measures in response to the crisis and reiterated that the State Legislature is reconvening on Monday. She stated that the Legislature created a special committee to study issues related to COVID-19. The Legislature asked all agencies to prepare budget reduction scenarios, including at 16% or $2 million, 25% or $35 million, and 30% or $523 million reduction levels for the 2021 fiscal year. She noted that the Legislature is using these budget scenarios to understand the effects of various level of cuts as it considers all multifaceted approaches.

Kishimoto stated that the Department’s tri-level leadership is reflecting on various questions and having many discussions. She stated that it is easy to be overwhelmed with new realities during this financial and health crisis. She noted that the Department shared this information because Department leaders recognize that staff and communities are relying on the Department to lead, stay hopeful, and be productive. She stated that the Department would need to think differently and be more innovative as the pandemic continues. She detailed that the Department is reviewing how to prioritize investments, be planful, adapt to new realities, be innovative, and assess staffing.

Board Vice Chairperson Brian De Lima stated that he has confidence in the Department’s efforts to address existing infrastructure difficulties affecting online learning. He highlighted that this pandemic is forcing parents to engage and become involved in their child’s education, but he expressed concern that many families may not be engaged. Board Vice Chairperson De Lima emphasized the importance of the Department collecting data and being transparent. He stated that the Board should place the HE‘E Coalition’s request for data on a future Board agenda to understand how engagement is occurring within complexes and schools. He stated that there are likely significant numbers of families and students who are not engaged and expressed concern that these students would experience more difficulty in the future as they continue to progress through the public education system. Board Vice Chairperson De Lima emphasized the importance of the Department maintaining a strong teacher force and highlighted teachers’ efforts to engage families. He stated that families need to know that schools care about them and their children’s education. Board Vice Chairperson De Lima emphasized the importance of the Board supporting the Department while simultaneously requesting information. He noted that accessibility to online instruction and devices should be one of the Department’s highest priorities.

Board Member Bruce Voss stated that there would realistically be substantial budget cuts in the upcoming fiscal year, and the Board and Department’s jobs are to minimize the effect on students and classrooms. He stated that students and schools could not lose instructional days. Board Member Voss asked if the Department would support suspension of other post-employment benefits to be able to continue to pay salaries.

Brian Hallett, Interim Assistant Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer, Office of Fiscal Services, explained that the Department is listening to B&F and the Governor’s instructions. He noted that that suspension of post-employment benefits is currently an option.

Board Member Voss stated that agencies would be competing for scarce funds and emphasized that the Department would need to provide the public and Legislature transparent data, specifically how many students actively participate in learning on a daily basis, the things the Department is doing right, the things that are not working, and the Department’s plans moving forward. He emphasized that the Department would need to provide detailed information as to the kinds of training and platforms it plans to provide rather than general information regarding devices and connectivity.

Kishimoto stated that she has been taking intentional leadership approaches. She noted that the Department determined that it would spend the first few weeks of online learning allowing principals and complex areas to support their staff to engage students in instruction and learning. She stated that each school used its own approaches to address students who were having difficulty connecting, such as making phone calls, delivering devices, providing instructional packets, and going to their homes. She detailed that the Department is implementing multifaceted approaches. She highlighted that 15 liaisons are working with students experiencing homelessness and food and home insecurities. She detailed that the Department implemented a telehealth network and purchased internet hot spots for families experiencing challenges.

Kishimoto stated that the Department spent the first few weeks being responsive to address immediate needs. She highlighted that each school has been collecting data, and the Department has been meeting twice a day with its tri-level leadership to report effective practices and changes in data. She noted that the Department did not prioritize collection of data but rather prioritized the execution of work, support, and instruction. The Department is currently shifting its focus and has drafted a plan to conduct a formalized survey focused on collecting data regarding which schools have devices for each student. She noted that most schools have been able to provide students with a device, but not all homes have access to the internet or have devices for every student in the household. She highlighted that the Department distributed over 12,000 devices in the last several weeks. Kishimoto stated that the Department is reviewing equitable access and ensuring that all students have access to online learning opportunities. Kishimoto stated that she has been meeting with Hawaii’s congressional delegation and emphasizing that everyone must work together to resolve access issues if the state is to modernize.

Kishimoto stated that the Department is carefully formulating its surveys to avoid overwhelming families while still being able to collect critical data. The Department is reviewing points in time to conduct its survey. She stated that the Department plans to send out a comprehensive survey in the next two weeks. The Department plans to then review gaps in data and send out another survey over the summer. The Department plans to continue reviewing gaps and sending out surveys as it enters the next school year. She emphasized that the Department does not want to inundate families with data requests and is relying on schools, complexes, and teachers, and reviewing available reports for decision-making. She highlighted that schools are grateful for this approach and further highlighted that the Department collectively agreed on this approach.

Kishimoto detailed that the Department has learned a number of things during this period, including its strengths and issues the Department would need to address. She stated that great inequities exist. She noted that the Department is able to control some areas within its school systems, but other areas are beyond the Department’s responsibilities. She stated that the Department is reviewing how to partner with other agencies to address various issues that are affecting students, such as housing insecurities. She reiterated that the Department’s tri-level leadership team meets twice per day on a daily basis to share ideas and concepts. She noted that the Department’s next steps are to stabilize its plan of approach, including collecting data, planning for summer, expanding summer school options, and concentrating on transitioning to the next school year. She stated that the Department would roll out a plan shortly that concentrates on these areas.

Board Member Kenneth Uemura asked if B&F’s rebalancing options are recommendations for the Department to consider or mandatory for the Department to incorporate into its budget, such as pay cuts. Hallett explained that B&F and the Governor shared a menu of possible options, but no decisions have been made. He noted that the Legislature would review and discuss these options once it reconvenes. Hallett stated that there might be additional options being considered at this time that were not considered at the time of B&F’s presentation.

Board Member Uemura asked how decisions would affect the Department. He asked if it would be mandatory for the Department to reflect decisions in its budget. Hallett stated that it depends on the option. He detailed that collective bargaining decisions would need to be made in conjunction with the Governor and Legislature while other options would be mandatory for the Department to implement. He stated that the Department hopes to have flexibility and input.

Board Member Uemura commented that it appears as though it would be mandatory for the Department to implement budget decisions. He asked if the Department would have any flexibility as to how to implement decisions within its own budget. Board Member Uemura asked how the Department would assess CARES Act funds and noted that these funds are fluid. Kishimoto explained that she has been meeting with Alan Oshima, Hawaii Economic Community Resiliency Navigator, to review CARES Act funds. She detailed that the Department has been reviewing which funds it would have access to and likely has access to some CARES Act funding.

Board Member Uemura commented that the Department is currently in discussions about funds for which it might qualify. Hallett confirmed that this is correct. He stated that there are questions regarding the degree of flexibility in the usage of these funds and noted that national media outlets have been reporting on this. Board Member Uemura stated that he had questions regarding whether the Department could use funds for budgeting purposes and expenditures.

Board Member Uemura detailed connectivity issues and noted that while it is a state problem, the Department would be responsible for providing results that reflect equity in distance learning. He stated that he would like the Department to keep the Board updated on its efforts. Board Member Uemura asked if the Department’s list of priority areas are listed in order of highest priority. Kishimoto stated that the Department’s immediate priority is the first priority on its list, but the other priorities are not listed in any specific order. She stated that the Department could add a footnote to its presentations in the future to state that priorities are not listed in order of highest priority.

Board Member Uemura asked about the Department’s timeline to provide the Board with a recommendation regarding the Department’s budget moving forward. He asked if the Department would provide the Board with finalized figures in June or July. Kishimoto explained that the Department does not have an exact timeline for CARES Act funding. She detailed that congressional delegations are making additional decisions and meeting with leaders from various entities. She noted that the Council on Revenues is not meeting until the end of May so the Department does not expect to provide the Board with any recommendations until June at the earliest.

Board Member Uemura commented that COVID-19 funds would not alleviate budget concerns because these funds would need to address unplanned expenditures. Kishimoto stated that the Department is able to expend against these funds in areas of health and safety. She stated that the Department is working with schools and complexes, monitoring expenditures, and only spending on what is necessary.

Board Member Uemura asked if the Department has costs attached to its priorities and asked if these priorities would cost $43 million. Kishimoto stated that the Department does not yet have costs attached to its priority areas. She explained that the Governor and B&F encouraged the Department to budget to what it needs and then have conversations about available funding.

Board Member Margaret Cox stated that she would like the Board to have general business meetings twice per month. She noted that she does not want to create additional work for the Department but believes it is important for the Board and public to receive regular updates as to what is occurring. She stated that she is interested in when summer school would start, how the Department plans to conduct summer school, detailed potential partnerships with libraries, and detailed outreach. She stated that she would like information that is more specific.

Kishimoto stated that last week she informed the Board that she would be providing the Board with a slide deck and comprehensive report at the end of May detailing phase one. She noted that phase one covers the period between when the Governor issued his emergency proclamation through May 28, 2020, which is the end of the school year. She stated that the comprehensive report would include what the Department has done, what it has learned, where needs exist, and where the Department is headed next. She stated that she would continue to try to provide weekly reports and could consider how to include information of interest to the Board.

Kishimoto stated that her next report to the Board would detail where the Department is going with summer school. She asked Board members to send her specific topics and areas of interest to them so she could focus on prevalent topics in her weekly reports. Kishimoto stated that the Department would hold public webinars following the issuing of its comprehensive report. The Department plans to issue a second comprehensive report at the end of the summer and a third comprehensive report several weeks into the next school year. She stated that she is open to discussing formats in which she could present or provide her reports.

Board Member Cox stated that additional Board meetings would help the public to be privy to more information and emphasized the importance of communication.

Board Member Kili Namauʻu stated that the COVID-19 situation might provide the Department with opportunities to be innovative, flexible, and create new educational opportunities for students. She stated that the Board supports teachers and hopes that teachers do not receive salary reductions. Board Member Namauʻu stated that she has been reviewing all of the written testimony, and she is concerned that so many teachers live paycheck to paycheck. She stated that it is critical that teachers are just trying to survive in Hawaii with its standard of living. Board Member Namauʻu stated that teachers are passionate and caring professionals. She expressed her appreciation for teachers’ hard work during this time and stated that she hopes the Board and Department are able to do all it can do to ensure that salary reductions do not occur. She expressed concern that teachers would retire or leave the profession and the education system would not recover. Board Member Namauʻu stated that the Department would need to prepare and prioritize addressing students’ social and emotional wellbeing when they returned to school.

Board Member Barcarse stated that reductions in teacher salaries should be the last option to review. He stated that teachers are going beyond their responsibilities and need support.

Board Member Namauʻu asked about staffing differentials and whether the Department has any data regarding whether teachers are moving to hard-to-staff, special education, or Hawaiian immersion classrooms. Kishimoto stated that the Department has had discussions with three complex areas that experienced the greatest effects of the differentials and is reviewing further effects. She stated that differentials are one of the Department’s priority areas because teachers showed an interest in moving to different areas. She stated that the Department has not had enough time to review the impact and noted that the Department previously stated that it would monitor the impact for two years. She detailed that the Office of Talent Management has initial data.

Kishimoto expressed concern that lack of pay differentials would exacerbate COVID-19 impacts, the crisis, and teacher shortages. She explained that the Department is determining whether it is able to fund differentials through CARES Act funds and having conversations with schools experiencing teacher shortages. She stated that it is important to understand exacerbated impacts and crisis situations.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Board could place pay differentials on a subsequent agenda and review the Department’s current data. She emphasized the importance of the Department continuing to prioritize differentials.

Board Member Uemura commented that the Board previously discussed and the Department agreed to present data on differentials at the Board’s May 21, 2020 meeting.


VI. Community Open Forum

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Board would be accepting public comments on issues that are not on the agenda. She noted that Board members would not respond to comments about issues that do not appear on the agenda, but they would consider addressing issues in a community meeting or other forum.

Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony. The following people provided remote oral testimony.

Name
Organization
Issues
Position
Vanessa OttPublicFamily EngagementComment
Deborah Bond-UpsonParents for Public Schools of HawaiʻiFamily EngagementComment
Tim Hitchens Hoʻôla Nâ PuaGrantsComment
Feketi HuahuluPublicFamily EngagementComment

Vanessa Ott, member of the public, testified on her concerns regarding the lack of authentic family engagement and challenges faced by families with students receiving special education and English learner services. Ott described her family friend’s experience navigating the public school system and noted the lack of collaboration between schools and families. She expressed concern that her family friend requested that she be involved in her child’s education, but the school system did not allow her to participate nor communicated with her. She stated that parents should be able to request interpreters or assistants, and schools should respect their requests. Ott suggested that the Board create administrative rules to address these issues and ensure that the Department implements family engagement plans. She noted that family engagement plans would have helped with current situations regarding distance learning and collaboration.

Deborah Bond-Upson, Parents for Public Schools of Hawaiʻi, testified that parents are experiencing significant distress because one child receives contact from their teacher once per week while another child receives contact multiple times per week. She stated that some students have heavy workloads while others are not receiving any assignments. She stated that she appreciates the Department and teachers, but she would like the Department to recognize the difficulties families are experiencing and address needs regarding consistency and communication.

Tim Hitchens, Hoʻôla Nâ Pua, testified on potential funding available to the Department related to sex trafficking. He stated that local educational agencies are able to apply for human trafficking youth prevention grants. He noted that these grants require educational agencies to partner with nonprofits or nongovernmental organizations. He described his organization and suggested that the Board and Department review applying for this grant and partnering with local organizations to address human trafficking within student populations.

Feketi Huahula, member of the public, expressed concern regarding the school system’s treatment of her and her son. She detailed that her son has a learning disability and has fallen behind his peers and described her challenges in helping him due to language limitations. She highlighted that Ott tutored her son and stated that she would like Ott to be involved in her son’s education, but the school system does not allow for this. Huahula stated that parents should be able to choose individuals whom they trust to participate in their children’s education. She asked the Board to review its administrative rules to ensure that parents have a choice in whom to involve and family engagement is a priority.


VII. Adjournment

Board Chairperson Payne adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m.