as as the director, I'm gonna only be here for like 36 seconds because there's a couple other people that are going to talk that are more important to me. Some parents, some board members, some students, some past students, and um I'm looking forward to partner with all of them and all of you to to make this community and our schools better. So, up next in coming our garden teacher, Sheila Moss. Good evening. Um I'm Sheila Moss. Um I've been a part of the Blue Oak community for I believe um is it 17 years since 2008? Is that math? Um first I was a parent, then I was a volunteer. Then I was the afterchool program leader and um kindergarten aid and now I've been a teacher for 10 years. I've taught first through fourth and now I'm teaching TK and kindergarten. Um, I love our Waldorf inspired public school because of what it did for my son.
If you if you have a gun already or if you're illegally hunting with a dangerous implement, that's already a felony under the current law. So, I'm not sure what that miscommunication is, but this would mean like if a hiker unarmed went onto somebody's property, they could they would now be essentially charged with a felony even though it's a misdemeanor. They they'd be pre prevented from purchasing a firearm or even possession such. Um, like I I can understand a lot of the concerns. Cranston Pio is down the road from me. Um, but that doesn't change that the man who killed him, if I can use that word correctly, uh, was would not have applied to this law. He was armed illegally. >> Mike, your time's up. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Clayton Kubo on on Zoom.
I don't want to say that there's that there's no costs, but um of course, especially when you're talking about tuition based when the students are paying at higher tuition rates, that that offsets the cost of the instruction. But um generally speaking, as long as I mean, my personal analysis or belief is that if you have full classes and students are paying tuition, then the classes usually balance out. I think where we run into deficiencies is where we have classes where you're paying the instructor, but there's only a handful of students. So, but you can put you can put requirements on there that you only hold a class if you can. Yes. Have so many seats, right? >> Yes. And they can hopefully recruit cohorts and then they can offer um both courses because they already have the language courses. So, I think the capacity exists there, but where they might need to build out is to have the industry specific uh focus that's already in place at Copyani.
In the beginning, um, a lot of teachers would, uh, still do their lesson plan and then they'd figure out, well, what are the standards that this lesson plan covers? And what we need to do, uh, and continue to invol evolve in uh, in our classrooms is um, during this 45 minutes that we have this particular group of sixth graders uh, in a subject area that creates a heavy load on working memory. um what what is the specific one standard or two or three skills within that standard that we're explicitly going to teach. We're explicitly going to teach and we're explicitly going to have them practice in multiple different um ways. and then we are going to uh have a better opportunity um for them to actually know and be able to do what that standard requires. And so um it's really more of a intensive focus um a little bit more intentionality um and an understanding of the the developmental um moments of our kids as they relate to um the different loads that different subjects put on them.
>> It's conf It's definitely confusing just because trying to track where all the moving pieces are. >> It's a It's municipal finances. >> Yeah. It adds up. >> Yeah. that up for this one. >> Yeah. >> But am I am I wrong to ask if the top number says priory year levy, right? Prior. So that's the 2026 levy, >> correct? >> Okay. So, under the 2026 recap, shouldn't the prior year levy be 2025? >> It is. >> Okay. >> It's 54791. >> Okay. >> And then so that carries over to the prior year. >> Okay. So, fiscal year 25 actuals really doesn't shouldn't have the prior year levies. If I'm looking at my 2025 actuals, that should really be my actual for 2025. >> So, you start off with the base from the prior year. So, to build your current year levy, >> you take your base from the previous year, you add on the 2 and a half%.
Our connection stuff is also going very well. That program um and then working on explicit teaching of behavioral uh skills and conflict resolution. Our school counselors, our school social workers, our school psychologists uh oftentimes work with kids, right, uh after an issue occurs to help them process and talk through what a logical next step could have been. Where could you have gone differently? Um again this is a lot of um there is some overlap with some of the things we're talking about here. Um working on um structured referral process for escalating behaviors. Uh staff do have a official form that they can complete and fill out uh for behavioral referrals. There's also a tiered response of what would be considered a classroom issue versus sensitive administration versus um you know requires immediate attention right now in the moment. Um so we've worked on that significantly.
Um, so they're actually on the second floor. So on one side of the building is Chespot, the other side is all Dco on the second floor. that replaces all of the the trailers that we have over on Sandbank. Those are actually the trailers are probably going to be relocated um by DHCO. We're currently in design uh through an existing capital project for the um the I would say the um combination of the sandbank and the Highland Avenue lot because we have an easement that was approved earlier in the year. So making the parking lots uh combined and that being staff parking as well as bus parking um and that would include some space for electric vehicle charging in the event that we move forward in that direction. Um also expanding the number of buses that are available. Um, so that's that's not listed here on the the agenda, but that is just an item that you all should be aware of that that we are currently working with DACO and also SLR uh about some of the updates that we'd like to do this summer as well.
And I could go on and on about that, but I'm here as a teacher tonight to talk about what it means to me to be a teacher at Blue Oak. Um, our pedigogy is developmental. And what that means to me is I'm meeting every child exactly where they are, paying attention to research on brain development, and paying attention to what the students themselves are showing me they need each day, each week, each month. Um, we strive to teach our children to love school and learning and the world by enlivening all of our lessons um with material from cultures from all over the world. So that means engaging stories and histories, dances, games, singing, instrumental music, visual art, theater arts, cultural festivals um are infused into every single lesson. Um we give children regular hands-on activities and experimental learning. So they do things even in kindergarten and TK like sewing, cooking.
>> Not on Zoom. Chair >> in support. Let's see. Ryan Miamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. >> Thank you, Chair. The Hawaii Farm Bureau will stand on it written testimony in support. >> Okay. Anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? There are 81 opposed, 12 in support, zero comments.
>> So, you can't go and do nonredit and feel like, oh, this is something I really want to go and get credit. Then you can transfer or or change to a credit. >> Well, so you'd have to be admit if it's uh Monoa, then if you want to do credit at Monoa, you have to be admitted as a student, >> right? But you get would you get any kind of credit? the fact that she's done the nonredit >> I think that is it seems like that's the intent of the bill and that's also it seems like what they're focusing on copy aligning because they say they're trying to build those pathways I believe from nonredit into credit and yes and also as uh the past testifier Amy Aayani mentioned that there are students who already are credit based and have the language skills um that they could already tap into that market as well so thank you >> thank you >> okay there's no other questions we are moving on uh Senate Bill 3062 Two, this provides the University of Hawaii and its campuses and state libraries may utilize liquor in certain educational settings without obtaining liquor licenses subject to certain limitations.
>> Well, we're comfortable we're still going to be able to cover the same ground and the same amount of materials in that lesser time. >> Yeah, >> Dr. Hart, can I also add? So, so what I would also share is that while time is important, obviously we want to make sure that we have enough time to cover the content, skills, strategies, standards that we are expecting each of our students to master at each grade level. The research supports that it's not always about the time. is what we do with the time that matters most. So, it's instructional quality, it's curriculum alignment, it's making sure that we're using evidence-based research practices. So, we have had in-depth conversations about how do we continue to support sixth grade students if we don't have that additional block of time. And it is about being very intentional, explicit with what we do with the time that we have them and shoring up our MTSS model to help support what was happening in that second block of time in math.
>> Okay? So, so just to clarify, >> under the 2027 override, and I'm sorry if I'm beating this up, but I'm just trying to be clear. >> Want to make sure we get it. Under the 2027 override column, it has the prior year levy. So our prior year levy is the 56915. >> Correct? >> Okay. So if I were to add on the 2026 recap the 54791 and the 2.5% increase, that's going to match what's there in the prior year levy. >> Uh no, you'd want to add the new growth figure to it. >> Okay. Okay. I think if you if you look in that 2027 >> now I see it. Okay. >> Okay. >> It's just they're adding in both directions, right? >> Yeah. Okay. Um the other thing Michael >> that that I would like to just in in to help build this case and show what's h what's happened and I think you know benefits and insurance we know is a big piece um of what's happened but I'd like to even do a little bit more historical data um so that instead of just looking back to 2025 I' I'd like to go back probably five years anyways um because I think at least since I've been on the board, so that I've been through two budget cycles and I know we've used one-time funds in both budget, both of those budget cycles.
Um and then also with the school climate legislation that has come through over the summer and is now in effect uh as we go through some of our investigation, questioning and those sorts of things. Those communications are there. Um the survey is going I will tell you um students are going to be taking it um on the 25th which is next week during ILT. Uh we did that so that students have the opportunity families to have the opportunity to preview the survey itself and make the decision if they want their students to take it or not. And so I've received probably 10 to 12 um optouts uh at this point. You know, we'll take those up until the day of or even in the midst of student starts taking says I don't want to take it. They don't have to, but we will do that next Wednesday during ILT.
There's a big forested area between those two lots um that would actually need to be taken down. We are lucky in the sense that Deco, interestingly, has like a mulching division where they remove trees and turn it into mulch and sell it. So, it's like a little fact for today. Um, but just know that that is happening with our bus depot. Um, another update that I think is relevant in terms of like redistricting and uh changes and everything is that Luther Miller, who has been with us for 15 years, is actually going to retire this summer. Um, and so we are looking actively for his replacement, have some good leads, have conducted some interviews. Um Luther is tenatively looking to retire on July 1. So we'll not carry us through, you know, when we open new schools, but we are hoping to get a replacement that can learn under Luther, but um I do think it's relevant just for this uh committee just to know about because we've had conversations about redistricting and the impact.
Um in first grade they begin knitting. In third grade, gardening. um actually in kindergarten gardening too. Um math games, clay modeling, woodworking, science experiments, etc. We want to get their hands on things and really experiencing um nature and the world and how the world works. Um we involve children in the community taking them on curriculum related and very community building um day field trips starting in TK and kindergarten and then starting in third grade multi-day field trips um to various places that are related to the curriculum of that grade. Um we practice looping which to me is very meaningful um in that it gives the teacher and the class stay together for multiple years which gives the teachers and the students a a chance to really build relationships with with each other and build community that's really strong and supportive. Um, we use restorative practices to address challenges as they arise and to again build community, build those relationships that are so important to making the children receptive to the learning the the lessons that we're giving them.
Members, are there any questions? >> Uh, question for the No police department any not police. That's okay. Chair. >> Okay. >> Yeah. No police department. >> All right. Moving on to SB 2112. >> Beginning January 27th bans the manufacturer sale offer of sale or distribution the state of any food that contains petroleum based synthetic food dyes and synthetic chemical additives. Okay. >> [snorts] >> First up is Department of Health, >> vice chair, members of the committee, Department of Health, Department of Health Services. Please stand available for questions. Thank you. >> Thank you. Jennifer Gardner on Zoom, National Confectioners Association. Thank you, Mr. Chair, committee members. Jennifer Gardner on behalf of the National Confectioners Association. NCA supports a strong food safety system, but we respectfully oppose Senate Bill 2112 as it would contribute to an unworkable patchwork of state ingredient restrictions. It's critical for confectioners to be able to rely on a unified federal standard administered by FDA.
We have a lot of people on this one as well. Um, Keith Hayashi, University of Hawaii, I'm sorry, from DOE. Hello, Chair Kim, Vice Chair Kani, members of the committee. Shantima, assistant superintendent, testify on behalf of the Department of Education. The department stands on our written testimony which provides comments on this measure. The department is requesting a specific amendment to exclude libraries that are on or near school campuses. Liquor possession or use of alcohol is strictly prohibited on public school campuses. and state law HRS281-39.5 prevents the issuance of liquor license to any establishment located within 500 ft of an elementary, intermediate, or high school to further limit alcohol presence near campuses. Thank you for the opportunity to testify. We stand by for questions. Thank you. >> Okay, thank you. >> Alu Hokuana. Hi chair, vice chair, committee members. My name is Denise Shimmore Yamamoto. I'm the associate vice president for the community colleges on behalf of here on behalf of Zui Hokuana.
Thank you, Jane. I didn't mean to steal. >> No, no, you're fine. And so, um, one of the questions I had asked earlier, and again, I'm glad you added the slide in, was how are we going to know if we're successful in in making these changes? And I guess my concern when I see so many different metrics and we're putting a lot of changes into the system, how are we ever going to know what which things working, which variable, what are the drivers of things going in the right direction or potentially not? And I would say um yeah, with education and you're dealing with people, there's a lot more variables obviously involved than if you're dealing with like a product and an input and output like you would for a business. So, you know, a lot of times with a business, it's the bottom line.
>> So, I'd like to go back and be able to look. Um, so I'm happy to, you know, come and and sit with you or sit with Cindy or whomever and and to to get those numbers instead of asking someone to >> um send them to me and and I could sit I know I shared a sheet with you. I could sit and maybe fill it out >> um and then go back just because I think I'd like to get back into the period of time too when inflation in general was really very high. Mhm. >> Um and just so to be able to try to help wrap my head around it and maybe help other people wrap their heads around it. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Also, just um I was looking at our website and I know that there really isn't anything for FY26 on our website.
It's the last day there. Um staff are also going to have time uh during the faculty meeting. Uh we're going to provide them a little bit of time of faculty meeting on the 25th as well. And then parents, I sent that reminder out as Deb has reminded me today of 30 have started it, 21 have finished it at the high school. So that's to date, but we have about another week for that to go and so we'll keep pushing that. That'll go out again this week later on. Um, you know, data monitoring, like I said, we're going to continue to look like I can look right now. The reason I got those numbers, right, and I'm able to share that with you is because the nice part about the thought exchange that I get the numbers in the moment, right, and that data. So I don't have to wait for Panorama to disagregate the data.