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David Ige on Education
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Universal pre-K crucial to education reform
We must create a universal, statewide high-quality public preschool system that will give every child a head-start on learning. Ultimately, we will need more than 300 public pre-K classrooms. I am proposing to the Department of Education that we
look at our elementary schools in a whole different light; That we reinvent our elementary education by making early learning an integral part of our children's overall elementary curriculum. That's why
I am proposing to the DOE that we restructure those schools presently composed of Kindergarten through grade 6 to pre-K through grade 5. We also want to apply "best practices" learned from our own Public Pre-Kindergarten Program and from other states
who have added preschools to their public education system. Of all the initiatives upon which we've embarked, I believe this one will make the greatest difference in preparing our children for the future and in creating a 21st century workforce.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Hawaii legislature
, Jan 22, 2019
Quality public education necessary for a strong economy
Improving public education is one of my top priorities. I will reform the public education system to empower individual schools so that teachers and school principals make the decisions on curriculum and instruction, educational programs, and expenditure
of school funds. Those closest to the students understand best how their students should be educated. The Board of Education, which is appointed by the Governor, has failed to provide the leadership that empowers individual schools.
As a result, student performance does not attain maximum potential.As a proud product of public schools, education created great opportunities for me that I would not have had otherwise. Hawai'i's children deserve
quality public education that provides an opportunity for all students to achieve their highest potential. Quality public education also creates a workforce with the skills and knowledge that are necessary for a strong economy.
Source: 2014 Hawaii gubernatorial campaign website DavidIge.org
, Aug 9, 2014
Implement early education through DOE, not private schools
I support early childhood education but I am opposed to the proposed constitutional amendment that allows taxpayer dollars to be spent on private preschools. The constitutional amendment is ill-conceived because it asks voters to approve a preschool
program that gives your tax dollars to private entities that admittedly lack the capacity to admit all eligible children and are not located in areas of greatest need.
Even though tax dollars would go to private schools, there are no cost estimates, no details of how the program will work, and no indication that all children will have an equal opportunity to enroll in a private preschool.
As Governor, I would allocate those tax dollars to the Department of Education and task the DOE to implement early education, starting in the areas of greatest need.
Source: 2014 Hawaii gubernatorial campaign website DavidIge.org
, Aug 9, 2014
Improving public education is one of my top priorities
Q: Are you satisfied with the way Hawaii's public school system is run? How can it be run better?A: Improving public education is one of my top priorities. I believe that we must empower schools to enable those closest to the students to make
decisions on curriculum, programs, and spending. Our "top-down" bureaucracy should be reorganized so that the system supports our schools, rather than the other way around.
To move from a compliance-driven bureaucracy, as governor I will increase funds and opportunities to support school-initiated, innovative approaches to education.
The Board of Education, which is appointed by the governor, has failed to provide
leadership that encourages "out-of-the box" creative thinking by school administrators. I will appoint individuals to the Board of Education who have a stake in the system's success, including those with children in public schools.
Source: Honolulu Civil Beat Q&A on 2014 Hawaii gubernatorial race
, Jul 11, 2014
Too many decisions made by state instead of locally
Ige challenged Abercrombie on public schools. "Across the board, principals are saying that they've lost autonomy that more and more decisions are being made by the state board and the state department, and they don't believe they
can make the decisions to move the school board forward," he said."First we say public employees aren't doing their job, now we're saying that the Board of Education isn't doing its job," Abercrombie responded.
Source: Hawaii News Now on 2014 Hawaii gubernatorial debate
, Jul 9, 2014
Opposes vouchers, but supports charters
Q: Do you support the national Common Core State Standards initiative?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support a merit pay system for teachers?
A: Yes.
Q: Should parents be allowed to use vouchers to send their children to any school?
A: No.
Q: Do you support state funding for charter schools?
A: Yes.
Source: Hawaii Congressional Election 2012 Political Courage Test
, Nov 1, 2012
Page last updated: Mar 17, 2019
