Schools chief to update progress HONOLULU (AP) — The superintendent of Hawaii’s public schools will provide an update on progress being made on Race to the Top reforms. ADVERTISING Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi will present the update at a Board of
Schools chief to update progress
HONOLULU (AP) — The superintendent of Hawaii’s public schools will provide an update on progress being made on Race to the Top reforms.
Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi will present the update at a Board of Education meeting this week. U.S. Department of Education warned the state it hadn’t made acceptable progress on the comprehensive school reform plan that won Hawaii a $75 million grant.
At Tuesday’s meeting, there will also be discussion about the Hawaii State Teachers Association contract and the union’s complaint with the state labor board.
The union claims the state violated members’ rights by implementing its “last, best and final” contract offer.
State education officials have said that making progress on Race to the Top reforms has been hampered by a lack of a collective bargaining agreement.
Experts to talk on health care
HONOLULU (AP) — Innovative health care experts will share their thoughts on transforming Hawaii’s health care system on Wednesday.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie will kick off the event by discussing his health care priorities. The program also features three mainland speakers.
Registered nurse Denise Levis Hewson is the Director of Clinical Programs and Quality Improvement for Community Care of North Carolina, a Medicaid “medical home” that serves more than 1 million clients.
Dr. Craig Jones is the Director of the Vermont Blueprint for Health, a chronic care initiative established by the state of Vermont.
Aaron McKethan is the Vice President for Strategy for RxAnte, a health information technology company that focuses on medication adherence.
The event will be held in the state Capitol auditorium from 8:30 a.m. to noon. It is open to the public.
No property tax hikes in budget
HONOLULU (AP) — Mayor Peter Carlisle has unveiled a budget proposal that continues across-the-board cost reductions for all city agencies.
The $2 billion spending plan Carlisle presented to the Honolulu City Council Tuesday is 1.5 percent higher than the current year’s budget.
It does not entirely reflect significant increases in fuel and electricity costs, according to a city press release.
The mayor’s budget includes no property tax increases. However, it does continue 5 percent salary reductions in each city agency.
Lowering the city’s debt service is emphasized in the budget, building on efforts to slow the growth of debt service by taking advantage of low interest rates and bond refinancing.
The mayor also suggests adding $20 million to the city’s reserve fund to protect Honolulu’s bond rating.
