PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS TO HOLD PROTESTS AND WALK-INS ACROSS THE STATE TUESDAY
News Release from HSTA, October 1, 2018
Frustrated by the lack of funding in Hawaii’s schools and by our state being ranked worst in the country for teachers just last week by a national survey, educators around the state will organize a walk-in protest on Tuesday, Oct. 2 from 7 to 8 a.m. The teachers are asking the public to support our schools and our keiki by voting Yes for the constitutional amendment that is on the Nov. 6 ballot.
Hawaii teachers are joining what’s called the “red for ed” movement around the country. In Oklahoma, West Virginia and Arizona, teachers went on strike, using walk-ins and protests to make the community aware of the lack of funding in public schools. The “red for ed” movement in Hawaii is expanding, and teachers across the state expect to hold even more walk-in protests later this month. Hawaii schools rank last in teacher pay and 45th in per pupil expenditures, adjusted for cost of living.
The Oct. 2 walk-ins will take place on Oahu at McKinley High, where teacher leaders will be available for interviews from 5 to 7:30 a.m. The protests will begin one hour before the school bell, and then 15 minutes before the bell, the protesters will “walk-in” to their schools together in solidarity.
Neighbor island sign waving and walk-ins will occur between approximately 7 and 7:45 a.m., when teacher leaders will be available for interviews at the following schools:
· Kauai – Wilcox Elementary
· Molokai – Molokai High
· Maui – Maui High
· Hilo – Hilo High
· Lanai – Lanai School
Neighbor island media wishing to interview reporters on their island should contact HSTA Director of Communications Keoki Kerr, who will make arrangements.
Last week, WalletHub released the results of a survey that found Hawaii is the worst place out of the other 49 states and Washington, D.C., to be a public school teacher, because of low salaries as well as a lack of both funding and support in the classroom.
About the Hawaii State Teachers Association: The Hawaii State Teachers Association is the exclusive representative of 13,700 public school teachers statewide. As the state affiliate of the 3-million member National Education Association, HSTA represents and supports teachers in collective bargaining, as well as with legislative and professional development issues.
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KGI: Teachers to hold protests today
KITV: Public school teachers rallied to protest lack of funds, teacher shortage and low pay
HNN: ‘Badly in need’: Hawaii teachers stage ‘walk-in' to raise awareness about funding for education
KGI: Kauai Teachers rally for funding
MN: Calls to support schools
HTH: Big Island Teachers, others show support for amendment
Meanwhile: Secret Report Ties Hawaii Youth Suicide Rate to HSTA Grab for HGEA Positions