Governor Signs Bill Outlining Process for Appointed BOE

Posted by Wendy Osher

Governor Neil Abercrombie at Washington Place. File photo courtesy, Office of the Governor.

Governor Neil Abercrombie today signed a bill into law that establishes a process for an appointed Board of Education.  Upon signing the bill, Gov. Abercrombie said the new law would give him more accountability over Hawaii’s public education.

“The future of our children and state depends on the success of our public schools,” said Gov. Abercrombie. “In first voting for an appointed Board of Education and then passing this measure in such an expeditious manner, the people of Hawai’i and the State Legislature cleared the way for a new era of leadership for our public school system,” he said.

The bill was introduced after voters approved of a constitutional amendment in November that sought a change from an elected board to an appointed one instead.

The Board will now consist of nine appointed BOE members–three from O’ahu, three at large, and one each from Hawai’i Island, Maui and Kauai.  The governor has until April 1, 2011 to submit nominees to the Senate for confirmation this legislative session.

The Board of Education members oversee the Department of Education (DOE) and its $1.7 billion operational budget.

“We continue to welcome every person interested in serving on the Board of Education to apply,” Governor Abercrombie said. “We need to move quickly and have an appointed Board of Education in place so we can move forward on bringing change to public education in Hawai’i,” he said.

(Information courtesy Office of the Governor)