Landon was brave enough to share with others and I could not be more proud of him. Some of you might also have heard of his podcast that he's created. So he he is out there as much as possible just sharing his awesome views. But I think the biggest thing that stands out for me about Landon is his concern and thoughtfulness of others. Um besides that is his self-motivation. He has big plans for the future. He updates me frequently on his mission and after school plans for university and what happens next. His confidence is one of his greatest qualities. Add in his leadership abilities, respectfulness, and kind nature and I know he'll be successful at every avenue he pursues. Landon, I am so thankful your family moved here. I was so glad I'm so glad that I got to know who you are as an incredible human being and you have been a blessing and I'm excited to see what you do once you leave this this school and go into your future.
um the the amount of housing that we're you know seeing and I totally understand that we need more housing in this state and certainly um you know there there's even there's plenty of ways to do that that we've not been successful at that I mean chap 40b's been on the books since 60 1969 hasn't been successful. So, um, but one one thing that we're faced with with that is when all these apartments that are built and there's no path to home ownership with that and then these apartments, um, I have a friend who's a retired fire chief and he tells me, you know, Claudia, those apartments um, they there's a lot more public safety calls from there because when you live in an apartment and your uh, you know, basement fl or something floods, something's leaking, you know, who do you call? you you call fire, you call police.
Our sports programs, our band programs, all of our stuff could be that much better. They all if they all came where they should be going. Uh, our kids are great. They deserve a great school like it was before. It has been, it can be again. I know it will be, but it's going to put effort into it. Thank you. Hello, I'm Mike Franco. Played under coach Grandell back in 1998. Chess College Hall of Famer football. Um, I wrote a letter. Not really good. I'm get teared up. Would you guys anybody mind reading it for me? It's just all positive stuff. Um, no. >> Does anyone >> Okay, that's fine. Um, I'm going to give this to you though. You can take for yourself for your first. >> Perfect. You can READ IT LATER. GOOD EVENING board and community members. My name is Curt Kirsten Payton and I was this year's freshman volleyball coach at West Valley and I'm also a 14 year 14-year coach for the Momentum Club volleyball team run by coach Melissa Church.
Um yeah, I know everybody I shouldn't say everybody we all trying to help our students, our families and everything is well we should give free lunch, we should give free buses, but there's a huge cost to this. So where would the money come from for these measures? I mean, yeah, it will come from the ledge, but where would where would we where would we cut it from? >> I don't know. That would be a lot of a lot of money. So shall we cut it from K through 12? I mean should we cut it from the capuna? Shall we cut it from uh shall we cut it from you know where where when people testify in support for free? I always want to ask where do you think we're going to get the money from or do we raise taxes? >> Right. So that's why for DOE we had only comments on this measure and it it wasn't listed.
So good luck and congratulations. >> [applause] >> Hello. I'm Carrie Stein and I teach in the math department here at CHS. I've been lucky to have my Soaring Eagle, Berkeley Comp, in my home room class since her freshman year. This year she is also in my Algebra 2 class. Berkeley is the type of student that you wish for. She consistently demonstrates the kind of character and dedication that truly stand out. She works hard every single day putting thoughtful effort into her assignments and always striving to improve. Even when faced with challenges she approaches her work with determination and a positive attitude. What is especially impressive is her focus. Even when others around her may be off task or distracted uh she remains on task and committed to her learning. Her ability to stay focused and self-directed sets an example for her peers. Beyond her academic commitment she is exceptionally personable and kind.
Um so there's a greater impact on us um in that regard as well. Um that's our 40B issues are very complicated and um I I just want to say again that I thank you. I did reach out to the governor on this. I reached out through her uh the form that you fill out and I got an automated response and I also sent an email um directly and did not receive a response. So, thank you both for being much more. And did I also hear that you have sponsored a bill about daylight savings time? >> Yes. >> Oh, >> well, there is a bill that I came out in support of, particularly after uh last week. Um, I was surprised honestly about how many people came up to me saying how difficult the transition was with the new daylight sav savings time the switch particularly in light of how uh it's been a hard winter and people losing sleep and just the the whole effect that it has on people and it's something that I think we should talk about and part of the bill that I'm supporting says that other New England states need to do it so we wouldn't necessarily be alone, but there are a couple of states, I think it's Hawaii and Arizona that do it.
Tonight, I am here to speak in support of Coach Melissa Church and to ask the board to take a hard look at what is happening with the West Valley varsity volleyball program. For the past eight years, Coach Church has led this program with consistency, integrity, and success. Under her leadership, West Valley volleyball has made multiple playoff appearances and multiple athletes from her program have gone on to play at the collegiate level. These achievements do not happen by chance. These are the result of strong leadership, high standards, knowledge of the game, and a coach who knows how to develop young athletes both on and off the court. Coach Church has both played and coached at the college level herself. She brings this experience to West Valley in a way that has directly benefited her athletes. She's built a program known for competitive, disciplined, and respectful volleyball.
We're not we're not opposed to having free bus for everybody, but it wasn't one of our priorities that we had requested through the legislature. >> Okay. Further questions, members. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Next item is House Bill SE 1872, House draft 1, uh relating to early learning apprenticeship grant program. This establishes an early learning apprenticeship grant program to be administered by the University of Hawaii to provide financial support for early learning program service providers in the state to participate and in instate or federally approved early learning apprenticeship programs and requires an annual report. So, we have uh board of education. Good afternoon, senators. You have the testimony in front of you. Conceptually, the board supports any and all efforts to increase the workforce as it regards to early learning. Um, when it comes to the actual implementation of the grant program, of course, we defer to the University of Hawaii.
She treats her classmates with respect and warmth helping to create a welcoming and supportive classroom environment. She volunteers for and actively participates in all of our home room activities even though they are not required or graded. Her willingness to be involved and contribute simply because it's the right thing to do speaks volumes about her character. She is always willing to help other students who are struggling. Whether she is explaining a concept, offering encouragement, or patiently working through a problem with a classmate, she goes out of her way to ensure others feel supported and successful. Her combination of hard work, focus, compassion, and leadership make her truly deserving of this award. Berkeley, I'm so grateful for the opportunity to see your growth since your freshman year. It's been a privilege to see you develop not only as a student but also as a leader within our school community.
I'm curious to see how they do it and uh so feedback is great. Thank you. >> So, thank you both for for your partnership and for your support over the years. I know that um our town really wouldn't be in a position to be able to do some of the major projects that we've done like our downtown if it wasn't for for some of the funding that that you've been able to secure for us. So, thank you. Um you know, we we you had mentioned that, you know, you're aware of the the pressures that towns are facing. Um, as you might be aware, Ashland is is is facing a budget shortfall. Um, mostly due to the increase in the fixed costs that we have no control over. Um, so when we look at things like health insurance and benefits, um, I know the schools can talk through their their specific rise in costs, but you know, what we're seeing on the town side is that the 2 and a.5% um tax levy isn't isn't enough.
She teaches more than volleyball, though. She teaches work ethic, accountability, character, and resilience. She has made a lasting positive impact on the lives of so many young women who have come through her program. >> What makes this situation especially troubling is that Coach Church was never let go from her position, nor has she resigned. Yet, somehow the varsity volleyball position is now being opened for internal hiring. that raises serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and process. If a successful coach has not been removed, has not resigned, and has continue to serve this school in a positive way, then why is her position being treated as if it's open? That question matters not only to Coach Church, but to every student, parent, and community member. This district is already facing major instability. enrollment declining, a principal resigning with board approval, and no football coach. Your community is already frustrated by the decisions that have been made have been made, and their voices are not being heard.
When it comes to the funding, we defer to all of you actually to determine what funding would be adequate. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Nathan Morata for the University of Hawaii. >> Good afternoon, Chair K, Vice Chair Kadan, members of committee. Nathan Morata, Dean, uh Mano, College of Education. This bill is very similar to the House Bill version. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony and offering comments on this bill which establishes an early learning apprenticeship grant program. This bill offers tangible solutions by by addressing some pressing issues with regard to number one support and develop career pathways potentially increasing the supply of early childhood learning slots and potentially adding to um strengthening the e economic stability for families.
I can't wait to see all of the great things you accomplish in the future. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Good evening, everyone. My name is Brent Miller. I teach PE and behind-the-wheel driver's ed here at CHS. The student I have chosen to be a Soaring Eagle is a student I have known for many years who I could barely get to say hi to me when he was younger. Not much has changed since those days except he has grown to be a taller person and a leader among the school. He has become a great golfer and basketball player. The season, his senior year, may not have gone the way he planned, but he has kept his head up high and learned to become a better person. He allows things to roll off his shoulder and not affect his attitude. I think he has found this strength through his faith in God because this young man has a positive outlook in life.
And we're hearing from other communities, too, that they're facing the same the same challenges we are. So, um, you know, I would I would ask, you know, that you continue to to help prioritize funding that comes down to the communities because, um, we are going to to rely as much as we can on our our state government partners in the chapter 70, the chapter 90. Um, Rep. Lewis with you um at the state house advocating for the fair share amendment and how that funding gets allocated to education and transportation. Um I would just reiterate that that um you know communities are are are hurting this year and we don't also see relief coming in the future. Um, I think all of us are are worried about not just FY27, but what FY28 will bring. And, you know, we plan for emergency situations, but um, for communities to be able to balance their budget, um, we definitely will will need all the support from from the state that we can.
Opening the volleyball position under these circumstances only adds to the growing perception that proven leadership and community trust are not being valued. When a coach has a record of su success, develops athletes into college level players, and builds a competitive program that positively shapes students lives, the district should be doing everything they possibly can to retain that coach, not quietly push them aside. I urge this board to act with fairness, transparency, and common sense. Support Coach Melissa Church. Support the student athletes who thrive under her leadership. Support stability in a time when this district needs it most. Successful programs are built over years of hard work, trust, and proven leadership. And when one is torn down without explanation, the community sees exactly what kind of leadership we're missing. Thank you for your time. >> Good evening. My name is Lexi Franciscuit and I am a West Valley High School alumnist from the class of 2025.
I'll be available for any questions. Thank you. You >> Yukio Cross, we saw you Cole Cross. I don't know why I always want to call you. Apologize. >> Hello, Chair Kim, Vice Chair Kedani, and members of the committee. I'm Yuko Aikoracross, director of the Executive Office on Early Learning. We support HB1872HD1 and defer to the University of Hawaii on implementation and funding. Registered apprenticeship programs are an effective way to grow our early learning workforce. They offer opportunities for structured hands-on experience, employer paid classroom learning, and comprehensive support to advance their careers. Many people entering the early learning field are non-traditional students who really benefit from the additional wraparound support and mentoring included in this model. This bill helps remove financial barriers to participating in apprenticeship programs that in turn can help us recruit and retain more educators, improve compensation over time, and strengthen career pathways.
I have not been able to have this student class since he getting stronger in the weight room has been a goal of his, but he is a frequent visitor in my office looking for cashews. We do not get to hang out daily. We get to hang out daily after class and talk about sports and other guy things. I am proud to recognize Kyle Chad as my soaring eagle award winner. Kyle has been a great student who works hard in the classroom, on the golf course, and basketball court. If he is not participating in these activities, you can find Kyle hanging out with his friends or playing guitar. He is also a big part of the blue crew cheering his fellow classmates and friends on the playing field. He bleeds blue at CHS. He is a kind and respectful and honest person. He shows his kindness by always willing to help others and doesn't say no.
And I know that the state isn't going to be able to make up the delta for 10% rise in health insurance costs and a 15% rise in out of district um special education costs. But it it does put so much pressure on on towns to make budget decisions that that are tough. And we know that um our residents along with all residents of all communities are getting pinched and feeling the pressure of rising costs and um so we we know we know that it's not an easy decision that we make here and we know that you are all facing some hard decisions especially when it comes to the uncertainty from the the federal government. Um, so the one thing I did want to ask, we you were talking about the the bond bill and the housing that is being um is is is being encouraged.
I am writing or I'm speaking here to respectfully ask that you consider um any decision that would result in Melissa Church being removed from her coaching position. West Valley volleyball is a program built on a strong and lasting tradition with numerous section titles and a long history of shaping lives of young women. It stands as one of the most respected volleyball programs in the area. Carla Davis established a legacy that set a high standard and Coach Church has continued to uphold and strengthen that foundation. Volleyball has been a central part of my life for over 10 years. When I was preparing for high school, my decision to attend West Valley was largely influenced by the strength of it of its volleyball program. I played all four years and had the privilege of being coached directly by Melissa for three. Coach Church is an exceptional exceptional leader.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify. >> Thank you, Ryan Yammane for human services. here. Edno, let me see. Edno for charter schools out here. Also in support, Ela Yamashita support Anton Tr, the city and county of Honolulu support. Jared Ellis, >> thank you Jared. Uh Sher Manor, the chief of Nadia. Good afternoon, Chair Kim, Vice Chair Kedani, and members of the committee. The >> Introduce yourself so you don't Thank you. My name is Nadia Hold. I'm testifying on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. The core point we want to relay is that the child care workforce is the workforce behind our workforce. So when there's a child care breakdown or when the child care system is unstable, every sector of our economy is impacted and employers are feeling this directly in their recruitment and retention numbers. The child the chamber recently conducted a childcare economic impact report and it found that employers are impacted $787 million through annual loss annually.