Ige Builds Team to Focus on Hawai’i’s Public Education Future

Governor David Ige. State of Hawai’i Governor’s Office photo.

A new federal law will significantly reduce federal authority over public education in the upcoming decades.

In response, Governor David Ige announced the formation of the Governor’s Team on the Every Student Succeeds Act on Thursday morning.

The new law aims to return authority to each state to determine its own direction for its public schools.

The governor’s team will work to develop a blueprint for Hawai‘i’s public schools that is consistent with ESSA and will maximize opportunities and possibilities for Hawai‘i to transform education.

Darrel Galera was appointed by the governor as chairman of the team and will be joined by 16 members appointed by Governor Ige that will represent stakeholders in public education.

“This is a major opportunity to change the face of public education in Hawai‘i for the better,” said Governor Ige. “Our innovation economy depends on a well-educated workforce to meet the state’s goals in renewable energy, locally grown food production, environmental stewardship, and more. It is my hope that the public will participate in this process to help our education system prepare students for high-skill careers in the 21^st century.”

The new education law provides Governor Ige an involved role in the development of the new education plan for Hawai’i, and ultimately, the governor will have final approval over the plan.

The ESSA team holds responsibility for assessing the current public school system and identifying areas of need.

Over the summer an Education Summit will give organizations and individuals a chance to provide input and discuss possibilities for the state’s education future. Town Hall meetings will also be scheduled.