School inspection grades improving
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
Hawai'i's public schools are in better shape than they've been in years, with all 253 receiving passing inspection grades.
The state Board of Education was told yesterday that none of the schools in the annual School Inspection Program received an "unacceptable" rating. The program evaluates the conditions of buildings, grounds and furnishings, and the schools are rated very good, acceptable or unacceptable.
At the same time, the Department of Education's facilities branch told the board that the number of fire code violations dropped significantly from last year. Branch director Ray Minami said not all schools were inspected this year, but the number of violations dropped from 137 last year to 63 this year.
Minami said that fire inspections fall under the jurisdiction of each county and that the Department of Education cannot require fire inspections.
The School Inspection Program, however, is mandated by law and schools must participate in maintenance inspections, he said.
Ten years ago, the inspection teams found that 15 of the 229 schools were unacceptable. Among the problems that the inspections found: The schools needed new paint, carpet repairs, more and new electrical outlets, cleaner restrooms and termite treatment.
Many of these problems still exist, but not to the extent that they did a decade ago. This year 41 schools rated as perfect, 137 schools very good, and 116 schools acceptable. Minami said standards may be raised for inspections next year, which may mean more schools falling below the acceptable rating.
"We may have to demand a higher level of cleanliness, landscaping or conditions of the interior of buildings," Minami said. "Although we raise the standards, maybe one or two categories may be rated unacceptable, then that gives reason for the school to focus more within that area."
Minami said no serious violations were found during fire inspections. He said common problems, particularly at older schools, included a shortage of electrical outlets.
The board last night also adopted rules to restrict vending machines on campuses. The rules were based on recommendations from the Hawai'i State Student Council.
Many schools rely on revenue generated by the machines to buy supplies, uniforms and other items not covered in regular budgets. But critics said the vending machines dispensed unhealthy beverages and students often spend their lunch money on these items.
The board agreed to allow vending machines to remain on campus, but with five restrictions:
• The machines will be prohibited on elementary school campuses, except in areas inaccessible to students. Schools may petition the school board for an exemption.
• Machines must be on timers so their use can be restricted.
• Logos will be allowed on the vending machines but not elsewhere on school grounds.
• Coffee and coffee-based products will be prohibited from all vending machines.
• At least one vending machine will have to sell bottled water.
Also last night, the board approved for public hearings proposed increases to the school bus fare from 25 cents to 50 cents in the 2002-2003 school year. The rules also would change O'ahu students' eligibility to use the public bus system.
The bus hearings, which will be held on all islands, won't be held for at least two months.
Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8025.
