“Furlough Fridays” in Hawaii
Posted July 19, 2010
As often as possible, SSATB Outreach Directors visit member schools to learn about the admission landscape and challenges unique to the region. In May, Outreach Director Aimee Gruber visited Honolulu and heard about how the state budget crisis is impacting students in Hawaii.
Facing budget cuts totally nearly $475 million over two years, the state Department of Education cancelled 17 days of class during the 2009-2010 school year. Dubbed “Furlough Fridays,” these days had parents, students, and teachers understandably concerned. A furlough is defined as “the placement of an employee temporarily and involuntarily in a non-pay and non-duty status by the Employer because of lack of work or funds, or other nondisciplinary reasons. Furloughs result in a reduction in workdays, which in turn results in a reduction in one’s salary.”
While this situation has inspired increased interest for many of the private schools, it is not seen as positive because of the negative impact on students and educators.
