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The partnership between DOE and Hele-On is in response to a statewide school bus driver shortage that’s led to lack of space on the bus.

Implementation requires swift coordination by schools and complex areas, and some just don’t have the staff to administer tests and send them to labs.

The decision came as the delta variant spread rapidly in communities served by the federally funded preschool program.

Some members wanted more specificity and strategic planning from DOE officials on how to help students catch up.

The funding comes from the American Rescue Plan, according to a release from U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, who chairs the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

Lyla Berg, who owns a leadership consulting company, will serve at least through June.

While the latest DOE enrollment report shows a slight improvement, the enrollment count for kindergarten is nowhere near pre-pandemic levels.

The education system has clear Covid-19 guidelines about vaccines and testing, but it’s inconsistent regarding how to enable continued learning for isolated students.

The department released the figures after Gov. David Ige required all state and county workers to get vaccinated or submit to weekly Covid tests.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association says implementation of safety guidelines across public schools has so far been inconsistent.