HE‘E Coalition

Hui for Excellence in Education

Education Policy Notes, HE‘E Meeting Notes, Planning Team Notes ·

Planning/Policy Meeting 01/08/2014

 

HE’E Policy Meeting

January 8, 2014

The Learning Coalition Office, 841 Bishop St. Suite 301

4:00-6:00pm

Agenda

Attendees:  Meg McCormick (Learning 1st), Mike Wooten (Learning 1st), Susan Emley (PPS), Karen Ginoza (FACE), Jacce Mikulanec  (GBA), PJ Foehr, Kathy Bryant (HE‘E), Cheri Nakamura (HE‘E)

 

4:15-5:00 Policy Discussion

Legislative Priorities

Cheri shared with members prospective bills discussed in a meeting with Education Chairs, Senator Jill Tokuda and Representative Roy Takumi.

  1. Constitutional Amendment—Enabling Legislation—it is not required but will probably be introduced.

Jacce Mickulanec of Good Beginnings Alliance (GBA) gave background on how GBA has been involved in Early Learning Advocacy.  GBA has just formed a 501 c(4) to lead campaign for Constitutional Amendment. Coalition still has questions about the amendment. Group decided to wait to see the language of enabling legislation.

  1. Mandatory Kindergarten—Will be introduced to support the Early Learning Initiatives

Group supportive of idea.  Looks forward to language of bill. Karen Ginoza mentioned that Home School Community in the past has strongly opposed this idea, even though they have the ability to opt-out.

  1. Representative Woodson’s bill—improve school websites—must include school org chart, have schools list ways they are engaging with community, portal for teacher interaction.

Group thought that while intent for some of the points was good, implementation would be very difficult. Members didn’t agree with section about establishing a pilot project to assist students in achieve annual goals under Common Core.  Group thought it might be worthwhile to meet with Representative Woodson to see where ideas came from.

  1. Air Conditioning–

Representative Ohno hosting a meeting at 4:00pm, Thursday, January 9.

  1. Family Leave—There are a number of “leave” bills in the works so it might be difficult to introduce as a stand alone bill this session.

Group will take a look at prospective “leave” bills to see if family school leave could be added.

  1. Youth Risk Behavior Survey—bill to change statute for parents to “opt-out” rather than require parents to give consent to have student complete the survey

Group supportive of idea

 

5:00-5:30 HE‘E Projects

Cheri described the activities that she has been involved with, representing the Coalition. Asked members for feedback on whether they wanted to be involved or thought it was worthwhile for HE‘E to participate.

 

JVEF

Group was neutral on continuing participation in JVEF

 

EOEL Family School Partnership

Members were interested in continuing the work and participating

 

After School Network – Tuesdays

Members thought it was a good idea to make sure after school programs were of good quality

 

DOE Website Feedback

Group enthusiastically wanted to give feedback and is eager to start an online discussion.

 

5:30-5:45 Other Items

Guest Speaker Ideas-Tom Hutton of Charter School Commission

Group was interested in hearing an update about the status of Charter Schools