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| 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
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
(unopposed)
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
____________________________________________________________________________
VOTE AT WAIAKEA HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday, Feb. 18
3:00 - 5:30 pm
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.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Anderson
END BLOG
____________________________________________________________________________
VOTE AT WAIAKEA HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday, Feb. 18
3:00 - 5:30 pm
