Testimony to the BOE on proposed cuts

Aloha

My name is Ikaika Hussey. I live in Kalihi Uka, Oahu. I am appearing here today as a private citizen, though for I am a candidate for the office of Representative to the Legislature, which is an institution which Kamehameha III established in 1841, during a time when Hawaii was becoming a global leader in education and literacy. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the budgets of both the library system and the Department of Education.

I am dismayed to read that this Board is preparing to vote out a budget that includes significant cuts to these two key public programs. I have some experience with educational finance, as the trustee for a very successful independent school and as a former DOE and charter school teacher. I believe firmly that we should be spending more, not less, on public education. And given that many of my constituents are students in DOE schools, I urge this board to reconsider the actions being contemplated today.

I understand the political exigency of the moment, and the desire to present a rational and reasonable budget. But I would ask that you please leave the job of budgeting to the Ahaolelo, the Legislature. Per Article X, Section 3 of the Kumukanawai of Hawaii, the powers of the BOE are to set statewide educational policy and to hire and fire the superintendent. Please present us with a budget that incorporates your greatest ambitions for our educational system. Set the standards high and give us the vision and pedagogical latticework to achieve it. Let us figure out how to fiscally support your vision — that’s our job.

Mahalo.