GOVERNOR LINGLE STATEMENT ON HSTA PRELIMINARY SETTLEMENT

Governor Linda Lingle. File photo by Wendy Osher.

The Governor and the Hawaii State Teachers Association reached a preliminary settlement in an ongoing discussion of labor negotiations.

In a statement released this afternoon, Governor Linda Lingle said, the agreement recognizes the state’s growing budget shortfall and is in the best interest of teachers, students and the general public.

She thanked the Department and Board of Education for taking the lead in the negotiations, in coordination with her own negotiation team.

“My negotiation team, including the budget director and the attorney general, are currently reviewing the proposed contract and I hope to reach a decision soon,” said Lingle.

“I appreciate the public’s patience as we continue dealing with a widening budget deficit while trying to make certain we maintain the highest quality education possible under the circumstances,” said Lingle.

Details of the preliminary settlement have not yet been released.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)