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While we are looking at what transpired with Judge Sakamoto’s ruling we have overlooked something. That the governor will further restrict funds allocated to education. Further cuts will come at the expense of elective classes.
It is unfortunate that because of the lack of funds many schools will make cuts under the theory of: Don’t test? Don’t teach.
Over the past six years the education system in Hawaii has been shortchanged. An $86.5 million cut by the legislature for the next two fiscal years. Another $80+ million cut that is required by the executive budget. And now we look at a further cut that will affect @ 9.8% of the DOE budget. These cuts will be devastating to elective classes such as band, chorus, orchestra, art classes and other arts classes and electives. Also in jeopardy will be co-curricular, extra –curricular and even athletics.
While federal funds for education are coming they are not without restrictions. It would cost $37 million just to meet the assurances for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Other funding has specific restrictions on what they may be used for.
State Fiscal Stabilization Fund should be used to assist those schools that do not qualify for Title I funding. Yet our governor has chosen destabilize and demoralize public education.