BOE member challenges chairman

By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Education Writer

Laura H. Thielen, a state Board of Education member criticized by her colleagues for her role in education reform, challenged the board chairman to a public debate yesterday but was quickly turned down.

Several school board members spoke out Thursday against Thielen, who also serves on Gov. Linda Lingle's education advisory committee, for what they say is a pattern of misinformation in her advocacy for local school boards.

Breene Harimoto, the BOE chairman, said he intended to put his complaints against Thielen in writing, but refused her debate request. "I will not respond to any personal challenge," he said. "This is not a duel between two people."

Thielen asked Harimoto, who led the criticism Thursday, to back up his claims with specific examples or withdraw his accusations.

"This board is so unaccustomed and opposed to public discussion and debate that it is resorting to personal attacks as a means to stifle reform," Thielen wrote in a letter to Harimoto. "I refuse to submit to this culture of fear and retaliation."

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8084.