Governor Abercrombie Will Sign Legislation to Appoint Board of Education Members

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 3, 2011

Honolulu – Governor Neil Abercrombie today praised the State Legislature for moving quickly and passing Senate Bill 8, which establishes the appointment process for the Board of Education (BOE).  

“Education is one of my highest priorities because I believe that the future of Hawai'i is dependent on the success of our public schools,” said Governor Abercrombie.  “In advancing this measure to me in such an expeditious manner, it is clear that the State Legislature also recognizes the importance of advancing our public school system.” 

The Governor will sign the bill into law on Monday, March 14th, which is the start of the 2011 Education Week in the State Senate. 

Governor Abercrombie has until April 1, 2011 to submit his nominees for boards and commissions to the Senate for confirmation this legislative session. He strongly encourages people interested in serving on the BOE and other boards to apply through his website:  www.hawaii.gov/gov.

“We welcome every person interested in serving on the Board of Education to apply,” Governor Abercrombie said. “We need people who are committed to Hawai'i’s students and who can help bring change to public education in Hawai'i.”

The board will consist of nine members – three from Oahu, three at large, and one each from Hawaii Island, Maui and Kauai.  Governor Abercrombie will also select the chairperson.

One of the nine appointees will be First Hawaiian Bank Chief Executive Officer Don Horner, who currently serves on the board.  On February 9, 2011, Governor Abercrombie appointed Horner to fill a vacancy on the BOE with the intention of Horner to serve on the BOE long term.

BOE members oversee the Department of Education (DOE), which has a $1.7 billion operational budget.  The DOE is one of the state’s largest organizations with more employees than the state’s five largest private sector employers combined.

Governor Abercrombie is looking for talented and dedicated leaders who are committed to our children’s education and the future of Hawai'i.  He will appoint diverse individuals with varying skills, talent and experience.

Governor Abercrombie is also tasked with appointing members for 150 boards and commissions.  For more information about those boards and commissions and to apply, please visit http://hawaii.gov/gov. 

###