Maui educators urge board of education to provide increased support | Local News, Sports, Employment

A dozen Maui teachers flew to Oahu on Thursday to advocate for more support in the aftermath of devastating wildfires that struck last August. The teachers, facing a critical shortage in West Maui, are asking for increased shortage differentials, the creation of a fire relief leave bank, and more robust mental health support for both educators and displaced students.

Erin Vegas, a fourth-grade teacher, emphasized the importance of self-care for educators, stating that they cannot effectively perform their roles without proper support. Despite previous denials from the schools superintendent, the Hawaii State Teachers Association arranged for Maui educators to present their requests in person to the Board of Education.

The impact of the wildfires on the teaching staff has been significant, with many educators forced to leave the area due to housing and financial challenges. The shortage of teachers in Lahaina-area schools has reached over 15% of the total teaching staff, prompting calls for increased shortage differentials to retain educators in the region.

Additionally, educators highlighted the need for more mental health support, especially in the wake of the traumatic events caused by the wildfires. The creation of a Fire Relief Leave Bank was proposed to assist educators who have exhausted their leave due to fire-related activities.

The Board of Education promised action in response to the teachers’ pleas, acknowledging the need for better support and expressing a commitment to address the challenges faced by Maui educators. The teachers’ advocacy efforts have garnered support from over 600 educators across the state, signaling a unified call for improved support and resources in the aftermath of the wildfires.