ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ

Many families could use financial assistance to help defray the cost of extra educational support during the pandemic, according to a local nonprofit.

Hirono praised her virtual guest, Waiakea High teacher Whitney Aragaki, for her achievements and contributions to Hawaii’s education community.

Lawmakers are debating whether to fund pay increases for veteran teachers and hard-to-staff positions.

Schools deal with the societal stresses that students bring with them. They could do more, but it would take resources.

The interim superintendent said mask mandates and other safety measures balance “the desire to honor graduates” with the need to lower risk of exposure to Covid-19 through in-person events.

While stressing the importance of in-person instruction, the DOE said it needs to offer an array of learning opportunities, including a virtual option.

A sharp rise in disturbances on campuses at the start of the school year prompted school leaders to adopt new strategies.

With growing threats against school administrators over Covid rules, the DOE wants lawmakers to create a new offense for harassment of educational officers.

The problems seen at the beginning of the school year persist, with 30 school bus routes temporarily suspended last week.

The Department of Education said the fight was “spurred by racially insensitive remarks.”