HE’E Planning Meeting
September 11, 2012 9-11am
The Learning Coalition Office, 841 Bishop St. Suite 301
Attendees: Mary Wier (FACE), Karen Ginoza (FACE), Jaccee Mikulanec (GBA) Deborah Zysman (GBA), Crystal Kua (GBA) Jennifer Ryan (DOH), Alex Teece (TFA), Kelly Miyamura (TFA), Jacob Karasik (TFA), Susan Emley, Jennifer Dang, Bill Reeves (TLC), Debbie Berger (TLC), Clif Tanabe (LGN), Craig Crisler, Lauren Baer (TLC), Matt Lorin (TLC), Janelle Oishi (Alliance for a Healthier Generation), Cheri Nakamura (HE‘E)
Agenda
9:00-9:10 Welcome and short introduction
9:10-9:30 GBA Early Learning Policy-Deborah Zysman and Jacce Mikulanec
Jacce and Deborah introduced themselves and presented their vision for what is ahead for early learning. GBA is waiting to see what Terry Lock and Early Learning Advisory Lab propose. They will be supportive of the Governor’s plan. But, because GBA is a grassroots advocacy group, if Governor’s proposal is not sufficient, Be My Voice campaign will advocate for more. Polls suggest that public feels positively about a pubic pre-school program. Polls indicate that they would be willing to support a tax increase that will go towards funding a public pre-Kindergarten program though income tax increase, soda tax and a lottery. GBA is looking at models in Georgia, Iowa and Oklahoma for funding mechanism examples.
Governor’s plan appears to be targeting a $12-20 million plan for a pilot. Plan should be presented at the end of September. They will target all free and reduced lunch children. Previous estimates on funding all 5000-6000 displaced four year olds –funding 80% would cost $60 million—This is why Be My Voice Campaign is shoring up now.
Karen Ginoza from FACE said that they are looking for ways to engage parents so they will be in touch.
GBA will be one of the sponsors in some upcoming candidate forums:
October 7-Senate Candidates
October 17-Waianae
October 18-Windward
9:30-9:45 Obesity Task Force Progress-Wellness Policy-Jennifer Ryan
Jennifer Ryan from DOH gave members an update of the work of the Obesity Task Force.
Priorities include:
1. Early Childhood Focus
2. School Age Children-PE Requirements
3. Middle School –only 1 credit required in 4 years
In middle and elementary school, PE is not a required course. However, it is a standard so these items are not aligned.
Data collection is also a priority. However, students are not required to have a physical exam because insurance does not always pay for an exam. There is an evaluation called fitnessgram, and there is a movement to make this a standard.
Jennifer distributed a table outlining possible legislation to address childhood obesity. Please note that these are just policy models and not necessarily current initiatives. Click on Education Feasibility and Impact Chart.
9:45-10:00 School Leadership-Jacob Karasik
Jacob Karasik, presented on the future of Hawaii’s school leadership urging HE’E members to consider supporting changes that would add depth to the applicant pool for vacant principal positions. The points were raised because a 2010 study by the castle foundation found that a significant number of school leaders are eligible for retirement. Jacob will continue to pressure test ideas and is open for feedback and help. You can contact him at Jacob.karasik@teachforamerica.org if you would like to be involved.
10:00-10:15 SCR79-Update from Cheri
Workgroup has produced two recommendations:
1. Revised Family-School Partnerships Policy and Rationale
2. Family Engagement Indicators and Rationale
Workgroup hopes to present to BOE for approval in the next month.
10:15-10:30 Member updates
10:30-11:00 Networking and Other Business
Next meeting on October 9 with policy makers.
Meeting Adjourned 11:00am