New HSTA leader seeks 'positive era'

By Jennifer Hiller
Advertiser Education Writer

After some of the most contentious and difficult years for the Hawai'i State Teachers Association, union members last weekend signaled that they are looking for change — in a big way.

Takabayashi, who will become Hawai'i's most visible teacher in his new position, said he hopes to usher in a more positive era for teachers. "I think we teachers are doing a great job and the public should know about it," he said. "We've gone through some rough times."

Observers say Ginoza's loss was more because of the difficult times in which she served and because she has been president for two terms than in any problem with her leadership style.

During Ginoza's presidency, teachers staged a three-week strike in 2001, winning raises totaling 18.5 percent over two years. With virtually no teachers crossing the picket line, HSTA proved itself one of the state's most cohesive unions.

But later, the union failed to get a "P-track" bonus for teachers with master's degrees and professional diplomas. The bonus had been a key factor in settling the 2001 strike. The Hawai'i Labor Relations Board ordered the state and HSTA to bargain over the bonus for the final year of the two-year agreement. The parties never came back to the HLRB with an agreement.

"I think if we didn't have to go through the lawsuits and all the money came across the table like it was supposed to people would be happier," Takabayashi said. "It was a combination of so many different things."

Last fall, Ginoza also oversaw an unsuccessful fight against Hawai'i's 130 private schools over a constitutional amendment that would help finance private school construction projects at lower interest rates.

Also in 2002, the union failed to endorse anyone in the governor's race, drawing criticism and comments about confusion from its own membership.

Albert Ferreria, a social studies teacher at Hilo High School who made an unsuccessful run for HSTA president this year, said that while talk of the 2001 strike never surfaced during anyone's campaign, hard feelings remain an undercurrent within the membership.

"I think people were waiting to be able to make a change," Ferreria said. "We never mentioned the strike or the low morale. I think we just needed a change in approach."

Both Ferreria and Takabayashi advocated having a stronger voice for teachers and more openness within the HSTA. But Ferreria said that anyone serving during Ginoza's tenure would have had a tough time.

"It's sort of like stepping into a boat without a life preserver," he said.

The state and union officials recently agreed to extend the HSTA contract for one year, avoiding putting the teachers' health benefits in jeopardy while a new contract is negotiated. But teachers had to guarantee they won't strike for one year and will not see any pay raises.

The University of Hawai'i Professional Assembly, which represents professors, has retained its right to strike, along with the Hawai'i Government Employees Association, which represents principals.

Mark Miyamoto, a teacher at Washington Middle School, said people were ready for a leadership change, but noted that thousands of teachers — himself included — did not bother to return their ballots in the self-addressed, stamped envelope that came with them.

"I don't know if that's a comment on the state of HSTA," Miyamoto said. "It's not a topic here. It really has not popped up in any conversation I've had with anyone in the lunchroom or anywhere else."

Takabayashi will oversee the governance operations of the union, serve as its chief spokesman and preside over the board of directors. He is a former HSTA vice president, secretary-treasurer and member of its board of directors, and has taught in Hawai'i since 1970.

With the new pressure on teachers to meet state standards and comply with the federal education law known as the No Child Left Behind Act, Takabayashi said he wants to focus on public appreciation for teachers. He said a national shortage of teachers means the HSTA, along with the state, needs to work to improve recruiting, salary and benefits.

As the Hawai'i affiliate of the 2.6 million-member National Education Association, HSTA assists teachers with collective bargaining, legislative and professional development issues.

Takabayashi will begin his term July 8, taking a leave of absence from his job at Dole Middle School.

Reach Jennifer Hiller at jhiller@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8084.

Correction: In a legal dispute over the 2001 teachers' contract, the Hawai'i Labor Relations Board ordered the state and the Hawai'i State Teachers Association to bargain over a bonus for teachers with master's degrees and professional diplomas for the final year of the two-year agreement. The parties never came back to the HLRB with an agreement. A previous version of this story was unclear on the HLRB's role in the dispute.