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The conditions of our public schools are under constant criticism for a lack of maintenance, the need for new buildings and more.

The Hawaii State Department of Education is aware of the constant work that needs to get done. However, we have come a long way to speed the process of improvements where they are needed most.

The Repair and Maintenance backlog includes projects such as leaking roofs, damaged gutters, broken lights and other problems. As we continue to work on R&M needs, we also continue to push forward on meeting the needs of other school projects, such as the construction of new buildings and new schools and bringing campuses up to the standards required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title IX.

Unfortunately, there are projects that appear complete and ready for use but that sit idle for some time. It is a frustrating reality that is many times caused by delays in meeting all of the code requirements.

Other times, a building’s electrical infrastructure is being worked on to increase the campus’ electrical capacity.

The challenges of final permitting and completion of the fire systems have also caused setbacks. Additionally, HIDOE must work within state procurement limitations, which requires that we hire the lowest bidder on any given project.

It’s no secret that most of our school buildings are at about six decades old. Some need extensive remediation. Some fall within the State Historic Preservation Division guidelines that can take longer and/or cost more. Upgraded utilities are usually needed, which is much more costly because of the extensive work needed.

We are hopeful that our request for about $700 million in capital improvement projects statewide will address many issues, including overcrowded classrooms and heat abatement.

Creating environments where students are our main customers comes with added regulations. Simply put, school facility projects are much more complex than residential and private industry construction projects.

We have begun moving toward a new process to ensure better relationships with design consultants and contractors. Contractors or consultants who bid on the projects must meet certain requirements that would enable a more successful path to completion. At any given time, we are carrying about 5,500 active projects. A vast majority of our projects meet the estimated completion dates and budgets.

We are hopeful that our request for about $700 million in capital improvement projects statewide will address many issues, including overcrowded classrooms, heat abatement, gender equity, new standards such as the updated science classrooms initiative that we have been working on for the past several years.

We advise parents who want to help to work with school administrators to determine what is needed. We work with principals each year on their priority list. That is how we determine which needs get addressed. They are at the school and have the best judgment on campus projects.

As a parent who sent his children to Radford High School, I am extremely grateful of the efforts our educators, department personnel and parents make to address the needs of our schools. I believe we can accomplish the positive results we aim for when we work together to address our needs.

Fort Shafter Elementary

A recent Community Voice featured in Civil Beat raised some issues about Fort Shafter Elementary. We’d like to use this opportunity to address the misinformation.

It stated, “The other parents may not pay Hawaii taxes, but schools with a high percentage of military children receive federal Impact Aid. Thus, much of the cost to run Shafter Elementary is paid for by the federal government and is therefore not a burden Hawaii citizens must bear. There is no valid excuse to deny the Shafter Elementary children basic facilities on account of money.”

The per pupil cost to educate a student in Hawaii is $13,331 and the Impact Aid reimbursement is $1,511. The cost to run Fort Shafter Elementary is not covered entirely by the Federal government.

“… as of this Monday, my children now will only leave their classrooms for 18 minutes of recess, although, because they will need to pick up their food from the cafeteria and bring it to their classrooms, their recess time will likely be reduced significantly.”

The students have regular recess in the morning for 15 minutes. There is no designated recess time during lunch, but teachers take them out after they eat for 5-10 minutes. This is common in most elementary schools statewide. We are also looking to add meals to classrooms in certain schools as many school districts have around the country.

“The dilapidated structures are not connected to power or plumbing. They are not even placed in their final positions.”

Teachers and students won’t move into the portable classrooms until the structures clear inspection. The structures will be cleaned, renovated and furnished before they are used. HIDOE received approval from the DoD to move the portables last Friday, Nov. 4.

“This school year, the [Parent Teacher Organization] is raising funds to furnish the portables.”

School funds will furnish the new classrooms. The PTO committed to supplementing the school’s efforts, it is not furnishing the classroom basics.

“At the beginning of the year, we told the principal that we wanted to take Gov. Ige up on his ‘offer’ to allow parents to donate window air conditioners to classrooms. … she said we are not allowed.”

The principal shared with parents that the school has a plan in place to tackle heat abatement and that the windows at the school are currently under warranty. By adding window AC units, it would void that warranty.

Six years ago, the school was being considered for closure due to the low enrollment. The complex area superintendent redistricted to increase enrollment. Additionally, the Army decided that it would add housing on-base where a golf course stood.

Increased population in the areas has led to the overcrowding issues at Fort Shafter Elementary. HIDOE has made adjustments to provide adequate resources and the school has also made innovative changes to ensure a positive learning environment.