Posted on: Thursday, September 16, 2004
Schools say Stryker will overburden system
By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Education Writer
The Army's Stryker brigade could put added strain on a handful of Hawai'i public schools, forcing educators to scramble to find money for portable classrooms and new teachers.
The state Department of Education estimates the brigade will cost the school system $16.4 million initially, plus $3.5 million a year after its debut in Hawai'i in 2006.
The Army is converting the 2nd Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division (Light) at Schofield Barracks into one of six Stryker brigades, mobile forces organized around agile new combat vehicles. More than 800 new soldiers are expected to fill out the 3,500-member brigade.
The soldiers could bring with them 760 new students to public schools on or near O'ahu military bases, including some schools that are over capacity. The Army has said federal impact aid and other federal money could help cover some of the DOE's costs, but department officials told the state Board of Education yesterday the state does not have the money or facilities to handle the students.
"We're scrambling to be able to do this," said Rae Loui, assistant superintendent at the DOE's Office of Business Services.
The brigade is seen by many as a coveted addition to Hawai'i's military footprint, bringing more than $693 million into the state's tourism- and military-dependent economy. But some have challenged the increase in military exercises as a threat to the environment. Three Native Hawaiian groups sued the Army in August, arguing that it had failed to fully consider other locations outside Hawai'i for the brigade.
Capt. Kathleen Turner, a media relations officer for the 25th Infantry Division, said the Army plans to work with the DOE during the Stryker transition.
Loui estimated the department would need 40 portable classrooms, 28 regular teachers and 11 special-education teachers to serve the students, along with 22 others in special education. The schools that likely will absorb the students are Solomon, Hale Kula and Wheeler elementary schools, Wheeler Intermediate School and Leilehua High School.
Leilehua was about 450 students over capacity last school year, the most crowded school in the state. The DOE likely would consider busing some students to nearby Waialua High and Intermediate, Loui said yesterday.
With the department short of classrooms and some schools competing for portable classrooms, the influx could add to the pressure unless the department finds enough state or federal money to cover the costs. "We're already behind the curve," Loui said.
Nearly half of the DOE's estimated need — about $7 million — would go to install air conditioning at Solomon and Hale Kula to combat added noise and dust from the brigade. But if the DOE were asked to prioritize, officials likely would focus on money for portable classrooms or busing.
Loui said costs to the department could increase if military projects expand. Turner said last night that the Army had made no announcements about expanding the Stryker brigade. The Navy, however, is considering whether to move an aircraft carrier and air wing to Hawai'i.
Some school board members were surprised by the Stryker's potential impact.
"I don't think there is any way we can cover it with our existing budget," said Breene Harimoto, the board's chairman. "We're already behind."
Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8084.
