Aloha Kākou,On Tuesday, April 15, 2008 charter schools organized at the State Capitol to make a stand for the future of Hawaii by asking the legislature to prioritize education in our state. As usual, charter schools are fighting for funding and for the right to be on equal footing funding wise with regular D.O.E. schools. With charter school enrollment expected to increase across the state next year, the state currently has budgeted money for charter schools that would lower the instructional money alloted per student. This could mean a threat to programs, staff members, and other valuable components of charter school curriculum.Our Hawaiian charter schools have provided an opportunity for the community to choose an education that supports Hawaiian identity and perpetuation of ʻike Hawaiʻi. Please help support our keiki and lāhui by contacting the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the House Finance Committee, or the Governors Office and help them understand that funding is the best way to show that they truly believe the education of our keiki at charter schools is valuable.I have included web addresses to two letters that were published in the local newpapers written by my E.A. and one of my students at Hakipuʻu Learning Center . They really explain our experiences at the Capitol and what we are fighting for. Mahalo!http://starbulletin.com/2008/04/19/editorial/letters.htmlhttp://honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080419/OPINION02/804190309/1108#pluckcommentsCheck it out!
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