As we begin a new legislative session, our politicians are discussing various means to improve the education system. Each year proposals are made, budgets are passed and more money is allocated to the task of improving our children’s education. In fact, in the last 30 years, we have almost tripled the amount of money we spend on public education. Let’s compare 2007 with 1977.
In 1977:
We had 180,000 students enrolled.
We had 9,300 teachers assigned to teach those students.
The Central office employed 2,300 individuals.
Our budget for education was $234,000,000 (that’s $840,000,000 in today’s dollars).
Our National Ranking was 48th out of 50.
In 2007:
We had 173,000 students enrolled.
We had 11,600 teachers assigned to teach them.
The Central office employed 10,000 to 20,000 individuals including casual hires.
Our budget for education was $2,400,000,000 (that’s $2.4 Billion in today’s dollars).
Our National Ranking was 48th out of 50.
These results are very frustrating to everyone in Hawai’i, especially to our great teachers and principals who are dedicated and work very hard; as well as many of our administrators; and of course, our parents and their children.
We have not had a management audit of public education since 1973. After more than three decades it’s time to take a good, thorough look at where we stand.
This session, Republican legislators are calling for an independent audit of the Department of Education. Democrats should join this effort to uncover the real problems.
Governor Lingle and Lieutenant Governor Aiona working with Republicans in the Legislature have tried to address the issue of public education in a variety of ways, but the Democratic majority has shown little interest. Supporting an audit would be the first step forward after years of Democrat inaction. Only when Hawaii elects more Republicans will we begin to fix public education and give our children the chance at success they deserve now and have deserved for over 30 years.
Willes K. Lee is the chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party.
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