Guest Blog: Hilo Chapter Candidates and Endorsements

WARNING: Politically active teacher individual opinion follows.

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"Every decision that affects education is a political decision."

I’m endorsing for HSTA Hilo Chapter
President:          Matthew Yarberry
Vice President: Mireille Ellsworth
Treasurer:         Cheney Kaku
Secretary:          Kellee Kelly

     Our HSTA Elections are critical especially this year, because of educational changes coming from two federal branches, the U.S. Congress and the Supreme Court. In the Summer of 2016, a Supreme Court ruling is anticipated in the Freidrichs vs. California case, which has implications for financing and organization of public sector unions.

     My intent is to support and improve our Hilo Chapter, so I asked a couple of clarifying questions to all of our candidates choosing to run for office:

1. Why do you want to lead Hilo Chapter in 2016? [Values? Belief statements?]
2. How would electing you into the 2016 leadership position benefit Hilo Chapter members? [Goals, platform].
I encouraged each slate of candidates to formulate a written statement to this effect, to provide a voting members a more equitable or balanced view compared to their opponents.
            Example: In the interest of full disclosure, as a potential nominee for the new seat on the Negotiations Committee, I asked each candidate for President whether they would consider my nomination. The 2016-2017 Negotiations cycle to develop a new contract beginning Summer 2017 and beyond promises to be an exceptional opportunity because of the December 10, 2015 reauthorization of the ESEA from the War on Poverty into ESSA.
            As an active HSTA member for more than a quarter century, and a Hilo Chapter member since 2011, I’ve been acquainted with all of the candidates. The following are my recommendations, with my rationale included to assist your decision making and vote on 2/18 Thursday afternoon.

President

o   Dawn Raymond (current Vice President) is committed to representing Hilo Chapter. She would make appointments based on consultation with her Board. She is willing to meet after school for further discussion.

o   Matthew Yarberry has distributed a 1 page flyer of his platform and values. Matthew asked for information about the new Negotiations seat, the temporary appointment, and about my credentials and experience, so he could consider a reasoned judgment.

Given a significant difference between the materials provided and the follow-up interviews revealing distinct decision making processes, I support Matthew Yarberry for President.

Vice President

o   Chris Ho, speaking as an individual:

1.     “I value the ability of all members of our chapter from all the different disciplines and backgrounds. I value all sides and beliefs as they allow us to be well rounded and committed to the truth, that everyone's opinion and beliefs are valued. I can work as a team player with everyone throughout our entire chapter.”

2.     “I want to help lead the Hilo Chapter now and in the future towards greatness and understanding of all areas of our field. I am a firm believer in the power of colleagues to understand and work with each other to strengthen understanding and professionalism. I would like the opportunity to help foster, support, and be [Vice President].”

Recently, Chris has been designing Professional Development opportunities, and chose ethically to resign from a different Chapter position to focus on his priority.

o   Mireille Ellsworth has distributed a 1-page flyer of her platform and values. She is a member of the HSTA Speakers Bureau, presenting the “Schools Our Keiki Deserve (SOKD)” campaign. Recently she has written successfully for an organizing grant to promote SOKD across Hilo Chapter schools.

What distinguishes these qualified Vice Presidential candidates? While Chris is encouraging education to assist in improving classroom instruction, Mireille challenges me to be a better Teacher Leader. Mireille is collaborating with other candidates for Chapter office to provide a consistent slate promoting Change in alliance with our current HSTA President Rosenlee’s successful campaigns to “Work to the Rules,” etc.

Secretary

o   Karen Kohagura is the incumbent, anticipated to continue serving in the current manner.

o   Kellee Kelly would like to improve Chapter communication by amplifying its voice via several means including social media.

Comparing these two options, I am convinced that Kellee Kelly would provide secretarial and Board service for Hilo Chapter which would support change more robustly.

Treasurer (unopposed)

o   Cheney Kaku has experience in several other positions. As a member of the Charter, Bylaws and Resolutions (CBR) Committee, Cheney has communicated well and worked collaboratively with me to improve Resolutions and New Business Items.

Campaign materials provided by each state of candidates should have been posted accessibly by Your Head Faculty Representative. Materials distribution into boxes has been cleared as appropriate as well.

PLEASE VOTE! Your voice matters, as will our 2016 Hilo Chapter Leadership.

Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Anderson

END BLOG

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VOTE AT WAIAKEA HIGH SCHOOL

Thursday, Feb. 18 

3:00 - 5:30 pm