Public pressure causes the Board of Education to reverse proposed cuts to the Learning Center

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Facing public pressure, the Board of Education has decided not to cut funding for its Learning Center programs. Student advocates celebrate a victory after a last-minute campaign.

Last night, Mililani High School performing arts students watched themselves on the news fighting to save learning centers statewidewhich help pay for after-school theater, robotics, agriculture and other programs.

On Thursday, they took school buses to the center to testify before the BOE meeting voted on a proposal that would have cut $1.7 million from the Department of Education budget for 29 learning centers.

“We are not just numbers on a piece of paper. We have an impact on society and that is what we need to do here,” said Teah Vaoifi, a student at Mililani High School.

State Rep. Amy Perruso called the proposed cut “misguided” and “irresponsible.”

After widespread criticism, board members decided against the cut, saying the proposal was part of an effort to give more power over spending at the school level.

“The board believes this is not the right time to change the way the Learning Centers are funded,” said Roy Takumi, chairman of the Board of Education.

Takumi also said the BOE generally believes that schools should decide each school’s economic, fiscal and academic fate.

For most of the students gathered in the BOE boardroom, it was a first experience testifying before a government board.

“This is the first time I’ve been in this building and done something like this. I think that’s really cool,” said Mililani High School student Alexa Kamalani Grean.

“Our message is that these learning center programs are truly integral to our success and our community at the high school,” said Jayce Hasegawa, a student at Mililani High School.

This group says art, robotics and other beloved programs are being saved for now, and this was a lesson in advocacy outside the classroom.