Public Forums to Address Pay for Hawaiʻiʻs Teachers

The Department of Education will be hosting a series of public meetings to gather recommendations on how to improve compensation for Hawaiʻiʻs teachers. 

According to a press release from the department, the “listening series” are intended to allow the public to offer feedback and suggestions for refining Hawaiʻiʻs teacher compensation system. 

“Behind every student’s successes are dedicated educators who innovate, collaborate and challenge our students to exceed expectations,” Superintendent Christina Kishimoto said in the release. 

“It is critical that our compensation system supports our ability to attract and retain the highest level of talent. Our community’s feedback is an important part of ensuring that any necessary refinements are done right.”

A third-party consultant, Augenblick, Palaich and Associates, will lead the sessions and analysis to ensure objectivity, according to the DOE. 

Sessions will be open to the entire community. 

Below is a schedule for the listening sessions: 

• Maui (Baldwin High School Auditorium): Sept. 25 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 
• Hawaiʻi Island (Keaʻau High School Cafeteria): Sept. 26 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 
• Oʻahu (McKinley Community School for Adults, Room 110): Sept. 23 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 
• Oʻahu (Kapolei High School Cafeteria): Sept. 24 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

Anyone who is unable to attend can complete an online survey to provide feedback. The survey will be open from Sept. 23 to Oct. 6.