EDITORIAL
Advertiser endorses for Board of Education
With the possible exception of improving our economy, education stands at the top of almost every candidate's priority list this year. And with good reason.
The future of this state depends deeply on building and improving our public education system.
Even the strongest supporters of our public schools admit that they need improvement, both in physical facilities and in student performance.
With the sweeping changes called for in the new federal No Child Left Behind Act rushing toward us like a locomotive, we have little time to waste.
Serious choices
School leaders, from teachers and principals to the Board of Education, will have to make serious and long-reaching policy choices in the months ahead. Voters should look carefully at the candidates for Board of Education this year with an eye on choosing leaders who will act, not react.
Toward that end, The Advertiser endorses these candidates for the Board of Education as worthy of your consideration. The primary Saturday acts as a "sorting out" process, in which the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election in single-seat districts, and the top six vote-getters will advance for the three O'ahu at-large seats.
Because there are only two candidates vying for the seat representing Maui, both will advance.
In addition, the general election ballot will also carry the names of two candidates each for the seats vacated midterm by Marilyn Harris and Donna Ikeda.
You have five choices
Finally, remember that the district requirement only applies to the candidates, not to the voters. O'ahu voters can select nominees for all five seats, no matter where they live and vote. You are able to select one candidate for the 4th District, one for the 6th and three for the O'ahu at-large race.
Our endorsements:
• For the 4th District (Central O'ahu) we recommend Grace Dixon.
Dixon, a parent of four children who attended public schools and is making her first run for public office, is focused on putting more resources and attention on the individual classroom. She has a sensible, straightforward style that would serve well on the state Board of Education.
Dixon is also a strong advocate for our public libraries, which come under the Board of Education's responsibility. She wants to see the libraries become a stronger resource for immigrants and others who need educational support.
• For the 6th District (Windward O'ahu), we recommend Laura H. Thielen.
Thielen, an attorney and parent of two daughters in public school, has demonstrated her commitment to our schools through involvement in various school activities and organizations. She has clear-headed and well-thought-out positions on the major issues facing public education. She supports giving more educational authority to individual school districts while maintaining statewide funding and statewide educational standards.
Thielen would make a strong addition to the board.
• For O'ahu-at-large (3 seats), The Advertiser recommends incumbents Karen Knudsen and Shannon Ajifu and newcomer Carolyn Golojuch.
Ajifu, a former teacher and school principal, has made good use of her on-the-job experiences during her first term on the job. She is knowledgeable, up-to-speed on current issues and wants to create a stronger climate of respect for students within our schools.
Knudsen, a veteran of the board and at times its chairwoman, has become a forceful spokesman for the Board of Education and its policies. A parent of two children who went through our public schools, she promises to fight for more money for the DOE as it struggles to meet the challenges of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Golojuch is a social worker and community activist who says she is tired of waffling and inaction on the board and within the DOE. Energetic and outspoken, Golojuch is particularly interested in seeing our school facilities brought up to par with air-conditioning and modern equipment.
