Got what it takes to be on the BOE?

The state Legislature has given Gov. Neil Abercrombie the authority to select members of a new Board of Education, which will guide Hawaii’s public schools through challenging but exciting times. The next move could be yours.

Abercrombie — who will announce his picks by April 1 — is looking for eight volunteers to join his first appointee, First Hawaiian Bank Chairman and CEO Don Horner. Among the qualifications: a "record of integrity" and a "commitment to educational leadership." Another thing: you won’t get a salary, just expenses.

But if you think you can help Hawaii’s schools attain the goals of a federal Race to the Top grant — boost student achievement, improve teacher effectiveness and turn around low-performing schools — it’s time to step up.

"We must do better," said Sen. Jill Tokuda, chair of the Senate Education Committee. "Our children deserve better."

Bill on burials could rise again

Among the many measures that missed Friday’s deadline enabling crossover to the other legislative chamber was House Bill 155. It would have exempted rail and other public works jobs from the state burial law.

But don’t bury it yet. "Dead" bills often rise again.