Statement from Wil Okabe, President of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Regarding Negotiations

News Release from HSTA January 17, 2013

“Today, the Hawaii State Teachers Association and the State returned to the table. HSTA is encouraged by the State’s appreciation for the teachers’ feedback assessing the implementation of the pilot program of the Educator Effectiveness System. We believe that teacher participation in surveys, focus groups and panel discussions throughout the state has been an important part of this conversation. HSTA would like to thank the thousands of teachers who shared their voices throughout this process.

“Both the State and HSTA aspire to educational excellence for the students of Hawaii. Excellence requires a commitment to building the Educator Effectiveness System right and investing both time and money to ensure its success. Making the right investments today will make the difference in Hawaii for years to come. We see an opportunity for the State of Hawaii to invest Hawaii’s money back into the people of Hawaii.

“The State informed HSTA that there will be a formal response made at our next bargaining session on January 22. HSTA looks forward to negotiations progressing in the upcoming week.”

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Related:

FULL TEXT: HSTA's $440M Contract Proposal

HSTA Survey: "Hawaii teachers welcome an evaluation process"