Hawaiii teachers explain their vote, worry about grant money

Posted: Jan 20, 2012 8:56 PM PST Updated: Jan 20, 2012 10:11 PM PST
By Brooks Baehr - bio | email

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Some of Hawaii's public school teachers say they have lost faith in leadership at the Hawaii State Teacher's Association while others worry their rejection of a proposed new six year contract with the state further jeopardizes millions of dollars in federal grant money.

Thursday about 9,000 of the 12,500 teachers, counselors, and others who would have been covered by the contract voted on whether or not to accept it. Only 33% voted in favor of the deal while 67% voted against it.

Some of those in the majority who voted against ratifying the contract told us they have lost faith in union leadership.

"It doesn't seem like we were well represented. No offense, but I would like us to hire people who are trained in negotiations to represent us," said Daniel Mew, who teaches at Kawananakoa Middle School.

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/16568881/teachers-explain-their-vote-worry-about-grant-money