BOE hopefuls debate issues

• 2002 General Election Voter's Guide

By Jennifer Hiller
Advertiser Education Writer

Candidates for the state Board of Education diverge sharply on one basic question: Is the public school system failing or thriving?

"How long are we going to try to fix essentially a failing system?" said Marla Wade, a minister and church administrator running for the O'ahu at-large seat. "The parents do not feel that the schools belong to them. The system we have now is really government schools more than public schools."

Mary Cochran, candidate for the Maui seat, also said she would challenge the current system.

"All we have to lose is the status quo," she said.

But Shannon Wood, a candidate for an at-large seat and editor of the Ko'olau News, said the schools need more community involvement and control over setting priorities.

"The schools are not broken," she said. "I am so proud of what I see in the Windward school district and I know it is replicated in schools districts across the state."

Candidates at the forum at the University of Hawai'i- Manoa debated issues ranging from the minimum age for kindergarten students to a proposal allowing revenue bonds for private schools.

Keith Sakata, an incumbent and industrial construction inspector running for an at-large position, said the schools have done well with the resources they have, but an audit is needed of the department and its programs.

But Laura H. Thielen, a candidate for the Windward O'ahu seat and an attorney who works with nonprofits, said it would take major changes in structure and governance to make the community want to invest more in public education.

"We have many fantastic teachers in our schools," Thielen said. "But I believe our school system as a whole isn't doing well."

She said she would like to see more authority and money given to the school complexes — high schools plus their feeder schools.

Terrance Tom, attorney and candidate for the Windward O'ahu seat, said more could be done if board members worked better with the Legislature. He said accountability is key to winning over the community, and the board should do more public relations to tout the good things it does.

Several candidates said the Legislature needed to give the board full authority over the education budget. "I think politicians need to stay out of it," said at-large candidate Kenneth Segawa.

Grace Dixon, a candidate for the Central O'ahu seat, wondered why legislators would turn over without question 40 percent of the state's budget to a volunteer board.

Garrett Toguchi, executive director of The Arc and incumbent for an at-large seat, said lawmakers can oversee without micromanaging.

The forum was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i and moderated by David McClain, dean of the University of Hawai'i College of Business. It was broadcast on 'Olelo.

Eight BOE seats are up for election. All O'ahu voters may vote for the Central, Leeward, Windward and four at-large seats. All Neighbor Islands vote for the Maui seat.