Hawaii Education Should Really Matters!

She came to my room and read my last article on Furlough Fridays.

She corrected me too of her age and grade; told me she's already 7 and now a 2^nd Grader at Kaleiopuu Elementary school.

I apologized to her and told her "aunty is getting old and forgetful already" and she just gave me her sweetest smile.

She stayed with me the whole time that I was making the corrections and read my story over and over again, just to make sure that I got everything right this time.

I'm so amazed how smart Azsh have grown and how determined she is for her age, to stand for the things that she knew is just right.

Parents demanded for action, lawmakers listened.

Public school parents gathered last week and named themselves Hawaii Education Matters.

Born out of PTO and PTA, their group is fast gaining steam in the community.

"We want our children's class time restored! We want all parties - the governor, superintendent, DOE, HSTA and BOA- to reach an agreement that does not cripple our kids' chance for good education," are the words bolded in most of their literatures.

As a result, the Hawaii State House of Representative responded quickly to the call.

House Speaker Calvin K. Y. Say gave his word for upcoming sessions to resolves issues of furloughs on public school.

"Going forward, the House will consider solutions to the school furlough issue during the upcoming regular session," he committed.

He even admitted that savings of $1B from furlough would never be enough to close the deficit.

Seek refuge from the Federal.

I like most of what Rep. Neil Abercrombie told in his official statement last Friday of October 23, 2009.

But, among all I wanna give him "HIGH FIVE" for mentioning the Federal Stimulus Program.

"President Obama designed the federal stimulus program so that states like ours could invest in education by extending school years and enhancing instruction," Rep. Abercrombie said.

He also noted that the stimulus package is already approved and that all the State has to do is to change its current course.

And what's even better is that there other funding resources and opportunities available if we act now.

So, what are we waiting for?

The Hawaii Education Matters should continue gathering signatures and have the guts to write the President; copy furnished the Secretary of the Department Education, Arne Duncan, likewise Rep. Neil Abercrombie, to seek help!

President Obama values education a lot. Moreover, he loves Hawaii that much and he wouldn't allow these things to happen to our keikis. And, it is not bad for parents to have the confidence and capitalize on that fact, for what truly at stake here is our children's future.

Just think about this: Hawaii is already considered a minority when it comes to education. We get harsh criticism on how our locals speak "pigeons", by some narrow-minded mainlanders. Let us not add some more insult to this injury by allowing our state to have the shortest school time in the nation.

And most importantly, I am sure our kids would be happy and proud, to see us parents fight for their rights, as we ensure their opprtunities for a better future that truly lies from quality education.

So, let's work constructively and maximize our resources for the good of Hawaii's children!