by Andrew Walden

The elections are over and the governing is to come.  Now is the time for citizens to step up and get involved.  Here are the ways:

Honolulu -- Neighborhood Boards:

Elections for the 36 Neighborhood Boards on Oahu will occur in 2013--but there is no need to wait.  Many Neighborhood Boards have vacancies and a volunteer can be voted in by the Board to fill that vacancy.  All you have to do is step up.

Neighborhood Boards: Information page

Neighborhood Boards: List of Vacancies

At Schools Statewide--School-Community Councils:

From DoE: School Community Councils are forums for exchanging ideas about how to improve student achievement among the school’s stakeholders: principals, teachers, school staff, parents, students, and community members.

School Community Councils are a major part of the overall leadership structure at each school. They are a group of people who are elected by their peers to advise the principal on specific matters that affect student achievement and school improvement. Their primary role is to participate in the process that ensures that the needs of all students are specifically addressed in the overall education plan for the school. The Academic and Financial Plan is a document that highlights the goals for the school, the programs, and the available resources to reach these goals.

School Community Councils are forums for open discussion and problem-solving related to student achievement. Recent research suggests that when done well, this process contributes to improved school culture and a strong professional community of educators. In addition, effective decision making supports improved classroom practice and student learning. These results indicate that democratic structures like School Community Councils are integral to school and student success.

SCC Agendas, Minutes, Academic & Financial Plans by School: LINK

About the SCC: LINK

Hawaii Charter Schools Seek Board Nominees

Boards and Commissions:

Hawaii State Boards and Commissions 

Honolulu City Boards and Commissions

Waikiki Business Improvement District

Hawaii County Boards and Commissions

Kailua-Kona Business Improvement District

Maui County Boards and Commissions

Kauai County Boards and Commissions 

LRB VIDEO: How to Participate in the State of Hawaii's Legislative Process

LRB: Public Access Room