Posted 5-1-2019 (Dated 4-26-2019) EIT Honorees

Hi, WIS Colleagues,

My sincere apologies for not honoring one of our own for the EIT 2018-2019.

Joy Grabar

Excellence in Teaching ’18-19

Schools	Honoree	Retiree
Hawaii Academy Arts and Science PCS	Celeste Barcia
Hilo Intermediate School	Laura Kelson	Robert Bowman Chris Paulachak Sarah Glendon
Hilo Union Elementary	Wenona Correa
Ka’u High and Pahala Elementary	Amy Hinton
Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate	Andrea Wilson	Glendene Otake
Kapiolani Elementary	Sandra Munekata	Joy Hirayama Ahulani Haleamau-Kahawai
Kea'au Elementary	Alyson Pang-Ching
Kea'au Middle School	Kristin Bajo	Moses Kealamakia Cathleen Darrow
Kea'au High School	May Richard	Cynthia Kay
Mountain View Elementary	Natalie Poy
Na Wai Ola PCS	Carrie Soo Hoo
Naalehu Elementary	Rose Acevedo
Pahoa Elementary	Amy Masaoka
Volcano School Arts Science PCS	Tamara Wong-Morrison
Waiakea High School	Sheri Kojima	Donna Tanabe
Waiakeawaena Elementary	Cheryl Kuroda	Lori Dedman
Hilo High School	Matthew Masuyama	Derek Inouye
Pahoa High School	Erlinda Mauricio	Clemente Hudson John Akagi June Niimi Stewart Miyashiro

Posted 5-1-2019 (Dated 4-30-2019) HSTA reacts to down payment program announcement

To our members: Hawaii's cost of living is incredibly high and, as spotlighted in recent media reports, a lack of affordable housing plays a major role in the state's teacher shortage crisis and high turnover rate. Landed is a new program that provides up to half of the down payment (as much as $120,000 per family) on a home for educators, in exchange for repaying the loan and a 25 percent share in the gain (or loss, if any) of the value of the home once it is sold or refinanced. You may see some news coverage about the program, since the Landed company is holding a news conference this morning. Click here for more information. The HSTA welcomes any effort to help educators, however this option may only work for a very small percentage of our members. We will continue to fight for better wages and benefits to ensure teachers don't need financial assistance to afford a home. See story on HSTA supported bills on teacher housing.  Several bills supported by the HSTA to help provide Hawaii educators affordable housing died at the legislature this year. Like any tool, the down payment assistance program has to be right for the job. Some educators may choose this option if the alternative is not being able to purchase a home at all. The program may cost more in the end, compared to mortgage insurance if the value of the home significantly increases.  Down payment assistance is not a long-term solution. Teachers who choose to work with Landed should discuss this option with a trusted expert to ensure it is the best option given the circumstances. When purchasing a home, the Hawaii State Teachers Association advises members to research all loan options and make an informed decision that works best for them. Landed is hosting a series of information sessions for interested HIDOE employees in mid-May.  >> RSVP here << May 13 - Kauai: 4-5 p.m., Kauai High School >> RSVP here << May 14 - Honolulu: 4-5 p.m., Farrington High School >> RSVP here << May 14 - Windward Oahu: 4-5 p.m., Castle High School >> RSVP here << May 15 - Central Oahu: 4-5 p.m., Mililani High School >> RSVP here << May 15 - Leeward Oahu: 4-5 p.m., Kapolei High School >> RSVP here << May 16 - Maui: 4-5 p.m., Maui High School >> RSVP here << May 17 - Kona: 4-5 p.m., Konawaena High School >> RSVP here << May 17 - Hilo: 4-5 p.m., Waiakea High School If you don’t see an event near you listed, you can contact Landed’s team directly at: www.landed.com/signup Disclaimer: HSTA is not endorsing this program but wants to give our members information so they can make informed decisions affecting their family finances. In solidarity, Corey Rosenlee HSTA President

Posted 5-1-2019 (Dated 4-26-2019) HSTA Updates from Rae

THIS MESSAGE IS GOING OUT BCC TO ALL SLLS.  PLEASE PASS THE MESSAGE ONTO YOUR TEACHERS.

1.      SLL Elections:  Election forms due May 3, 2019.  Please plan on having your SLL elections completed and sent into HSTA by the due date or email me if you are having difficulties.

2.      EIT Luncheon:  May 5, 2019 from 11-3pm at Nani Mau Gardens.  Attached you will find the list of EIT (Excellence in Teaching) Awardees and retirees. 

3.      NALC Food Drive:  May 11, 2019 from noon to 5 or so at the Hilo Airport post office loading dock.  Wear red HSTA shirt and covered shoes.

4.      May RA:  May 14, 2019 at Kapiolani Elem. library from 5:30 pm. 

5.      Relay for Life:  July 20, 2019 at Wong Stadium from 4-midnight.  Join us at the HSTA tent in your red shirt and walking shoes/slippers.  Plan on sharing a potluck dish with others.  Paper goods and drinks to be provided.

6.      Summer Leadership Training:  July 24-25, 2019 on Oahu.  Two SLLs per school are invited to attend, more information to follow shortly once your SLL election forms have been turned in.

7.      SLL Training for 2019-2021 SLLs:  August weekend sessions pending site confirmations.  This will be a newly revised training based on recent events and current and future focus for HSTA.  All newly elected SLLs are highly encouraged to attend.  More information will be sent to individuals once your school’s SLL election form has been received and we have confirmation on the site and dates.

I want to personally thank all of you for working so hard at your schools for your teachers, your students and for HSTA.  You are much appreciated.  You are the backbone and the reason for HSTA’s existence.  Please have a safe and wonderful summer with your loved ones.

I am looking forward to working with all of you again, except of course for our beloved retirees.  I wish them all the best in their new lives.

Take care,

Rae