ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ

The closure of one of Honolulu’s few alternative education programs comes as a setback after a challenging pandemic year for all students.

Some teachers are wondering if schools should even be giving grades at all this year.

The new two-year agreement, which one union representative acknowledged was “disappointing for many,” takes effect on July 1.

The commission known as PACE was formed through the adoption of a Hawaii Supreme Court rule earlier this year, a day after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Christina Kishimoto’s remarks to the Board of Education provided more context on her pledge to fully reopen schools next year without a distance learning option.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association has reached a preliminary agreement with state officials on a new contract for the next two years, but it still must be approved by members.

If approved by the Board of Education as expected, Waipahu High School principal Keith Hayashi will step into the role after Christina Kishimoto steps down at the end of July.

Preliminary data shows the college-going rate could be declining.

The university will also be initiating discussions with unions that represent UH employees about possibly requiring vaccination.

Superintendent Christina Kishimoto said COVID-19 protocols and broader vaccine eligibility for children make it safer to bring students back to school.