Public pressure led the Board of Education to rescind proposed Learning Center program cuts

On November 1, 2024By Karl

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Facing public pressure, the Board of Education has decided not to cut funding for Learning Center programs. Student advocates celebrate victory after a last-minute campaign.

Last night, Mililani High School performing arts students watched themselves on the news We fight to save Learning Centers across the stateIt helps pay for after-school theater, robotics, agriculture and other programs.

On Thursday, they took school buses downtown to testify before a BOE meeting voted on a proposal that would cut $1.7 million from the Department of Education’s budget for 29 Learning Centers.

“We are not just numbers on paper. “We impact the community and that’s what we’re here to do,” said Mililani High School student Teah Vaoifi.

State Rep. Amy Perruso called the proposed budget cut “misguided” and “irresponsible.”

After widespread criticism, board members decided against the cut, saying the proposal was part of an effort to give more authority over spending at the school level.

“The Board does not feel this is an appropriate time to change the way Learning Centers are funded,” said Roy Takumi, chairman of the Board of Education.

Takumi also said the BOE believes that schools in general should decide the economic, financial and academic fate of each school themselves.

For many of the students who filled the BOE boardroom, this was their first experience testifying before a government panel.

“This is my first time coming to this building and doing something like this. I think it’s really cool,” said Mililani High School student Alexa Kamalani Grean.

“Our message is that these learning center programs are truly an integral part of our success and community at the high school,” said Mililani High School student Jayce Hasegawa.

This group says art, robotics and other beloved programs are being put on hold for now, and it’s a lesson in advocacy outside the classroom.