MEDIA RELEASE

Gov. Neil Abercrombie praised the State Legislature for moving quickly and passing Senate Bill 8, which establishes the appointment process for the Board of Education (BOE).

“Education is one of my highest priorities because I believe that the future of Hawaii is dependent on the success of our public schools,” Abercrombie said. “In advancing this measure to me in such an expeditious manner, it is clear that the State Legislature also recognizes the importance of advancing our public school system.”

The Governor will sign the bill into law Monday, March 14, which is the start of the 2011 Education Week in the State Senate.

Abercrombie has until April 1 to submit his nominees for boards and commissions to the Senate for confirmation this legislative session.

He encourages people interested in serving on the BOE and other boards to apply through the website: www.hawaii.gov/gov

“We welcome every person interested in serving on the Board of Education to apply,” Abercrombie said. “We need people who are committed to Hawaii’s students and who can help bring change to public education in Hawaii.”

The board will consist of nine members – three from Oahu, three at large, and one each from Hawaii Island, Maui and Kauai. Abercrombie will also select the chairperson.

One of the nine appointees will be First Hawaiian Bank Chief Executive Officer Don Horner, who currently serves on the board. On Feb. 9, Abercrombie appointed Horner to fill a vacancy on the BOE with the intention of Horner to serve on the BOE long term.

BOE members oversee the Department of Education (DOE), which has a $1.7 billion operational budget. The DOE is one of the state’s largest organizations with more employees than the state’s five largest private sector employers combined.

Abercrombie is looking for talented and dedicated leaders who are committed to our children’s education and the future of Hawaii. He will appoint diverse individuals with varying skills, talent and experience.

Abercrombie is also tasked with appointing members for 150 boards and commissions.

For more information about those boards and commissions and to apply, visit http://hawaii.gov/gov