FROM: http://www.hawaiichildrenfirst.org/

The Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs and Hawaii Business magazine are sponsoring an important forum next week: Elected or Appointed Board of Education - What is the Best Choice?

The Breakfast Forum is on Thursday, September 30, 2010, 7:30 am to 9:00 am at the Hawaii Prince Hotel, Mauna Kea Ballroom.

There has been much discussion over the years regarding the Hawaii Board of Education. Should the Board be elected by the people of Hawaii or should the Governor appoint members to the Board?  An elected school board seems more democratic; however, most voters don't know the candidates or their position on education issues.  An appointed school board puts the Governor in charge and that may be problematic to some residents.  What is the answer?  Come to the Breakfast Forum and hear what both sides have to say and be ready to ask questions.

In addition to that debate, former schools superintendent Pat Hamamoto will talk about the major changes that our public schools need - whether there is an elected or an appointed board.

Please join our panelists:

• - Garrett Toguchi, Chair, Hawaii Board of Education
• - Colbert Matsumoto, Spokesperson, Hawaii's Children First
• - Patricia Hamamoto,  Principal of St. Louis School

Mr. Toguchi will address the pros of an elected school board that has served the state since 1964.  He has said of an appointed board: "Instead of representing parents, students and educators, appointed Board of Education members would have only one constituent: the governor who selects the member to office and unilaterally controls the educational agenda and budget."

Mr. Matsumoto will present the pros of an appointed school board and why it's time for a change.  He has said: "We've elected our Board of Education for more than 40 years. Are we happy with the results? Appointing the Board is an important first step towards ensuring qualified leadership and a positive direction for Hawaii's schools and communities."

Please RSVP by September 24th to Irene Takizawa at 585-7931, ext.100, or email Jeanne Schultz Afuvai atjschultz@hipaonline.com

Come early and network. A hosted continental breakfast will be served from 7:15 am.

Presented by:

• STEVE PETRANIK, Editor, Hawaii Business                      
• JEANNE SCHULTZ AFUVAI, Interim President & CEO, Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs
• The Campaign Committee, Hawaii's Children First

MORE INFO: http://www.hawaiichildrenfirst.org/