MEDIA RELEASE

Governor Linda Lingle issued the following statement today regarding a preliminary settlement with the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association (HSTA):

“I appreciate the Department and Board of Education taking the lead in these negotiations, in coordination with my negotiation team, to work toward reaching an agreement with the HSTA that is in the best interest of teachers, our students and the general public, and that recognizes our growing budget shortfall.

“My negotiation team, including the budget director and the attorney general, are currently reviewing the proposed contract and I hope to reach a decision soon.

“I appreciate the public’s patience as we continue dealing with a widening budget deficit while trying to make certain we maintain the highest quality education possible under the circumstances.”