Most DOE funds used for schools

I’m writing in response to Jim Shon’s commentary ("Reforming Hawaii’s charter schools: 5 myths and 5 realities," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, April 4).

Shon asserts, "In our (state Department of Education), 40 percent of funding (more than 2,000 positions) goes for state and district support people who are NOT involved in instruction: eight for every DOE school."

In reality, 95 percent of the DOE’s budget goes directly to operate schools through the weighted student formula, and to school support services such as special education, student meals, transportation, and utilities.

The remaining 5 percent of the DOE’s general fund is budgeted for state and complex areas for activities such as administration, fiscal and compliance functions, testing, teacher certification, and e-school, to name a few.

Shon’s point that support functions are essential for principals and educators to focus on student achievement is something we agree on.

Continuous improvement in all areas is crucial to student success.

Adele Chong
Budget director, state Department of Education

Sovereignty not a popular idea

Former Gov. John Waihee asks the important question: "If you’re Native Hawaiian, do you support the restoration of the sovereignty of the Hawaiian nation?"

So far the answer — based on Native Hawaiians’ response to a decade or more soliciting them to join such a nation — is "no." And rightfully so. Native Hawaiians already live in the greatest country on Earth. Far from perfect but the best. Why would they want to live in Pine Ridge, S.D., when they already live in Hawaii, United States of America?

Bill Wynhoff
Kailua

School busing a tool and asset

Here at Ke Kula Kaiapuni ‘o Anuenue, the Hawaiian-language immersion school in Palolo, we have students bused in every day from around the island.

School busing should not be viewed as an economic liability.School buses are an extension of the classroom.They are rolling classrooms.School busing is an educational tool and asset.

Last Sunday’s editorial cartoon showed some students on the bus and some students outside the bus (Star-Advertiser, April 8).Is our school system going back to when education was a privilege for a few?Or is education a right for all students?

There may have been some questionable practices in the past, but do not take it out on the students.School buses are more economical for families, safer for children, and it reduces traffic congestion for the public.

I hope and pray that Hawaii’s decision-makers can see the long-term benefits in keeping school busing.

Charles "Kale" Naumu
Po‘okumu (Principal), Ke Kula Kaiapuni ‘o Anuenue

IME experience was devastating

In response to Deborah Agles’ disagreement with Ira Zunin ("Premise was unfair to IME physicians," Star-Advertiser, Letters, April 10), please be assured she is, indeed, in rare company.

Being one of the many and current Hawaii injured workers,I have experienced disgraceful and inadequate treatment through an independent medical evaluation (IME).Furthermore,I can say without doubt she would be shocked as to the reality. It has driven me from my home and soon will drive me from my beloved state of Hawaii. The depth of my despair has become inconsolable.

In closing, I pray there were more IME doctors that had Agles’ attitude and sense of compas- sion. Thank you for giving others that ray of hope.

Cris Gonzales
Honolulu

JoAnn Falletta deserves thanks

During the long-standing ovation after Tchaikov-sky’s Fifth last week, something happened that I had never seen before.

JoAnn Falletta, the symphony conductor, was presented with lei from the orchestra members. One by one, many of the sections had representatives give this special woman their lei, each followed by a warm, heartfelt embrace. Soon you could not see her face because it was covered with aloha.

The reason — beyond exceptional conducting — is that JoAnn Falletta has worked hard on behalf of reviving the symphony for our state.She had done a fundraiser concert.She gave a speech on behalf of the symphony.She did not abandon the symphony. Even with her incredible worldwide schedule, she used her global name and reputation to help usregainour footing.

John Wollstein
Palolo