Recently while helping my friend vote for the first time, we walked through the ballot together and discussed the different changes to the consitituion. We chose to VOTE YES on Amendment 4 to the State Constitution to allow for the The Hawaii State Funding of Private Early Childhood Education Programs. The measure, upon voter approval, would allow the state to spend public funds for the “support or benefit” of private early childhood education programs. Amendment 4’s supporters and opponents are both calling for an expansion of preschool education. Proponents think the best route is by allocating public funds to private schools, whereas opponents believe the state should establish fully funded preschool through the public education system. (ballotpedia) BACKGROUND According to the Hawaii Education Policy Center, Hawaii is the only state to constitutionally prohibit the funding of private preschools. The other 49 states all permit publicly-funded private preschools, although 12 do not provide funding.[4] The center estimates that there are approximately 17,500 four-year olds each year in the state. Anywhere between 40 and 48 percent of Kindergarten students did not attend preschool. Conversely, between 52 and 60 percent of those children attended preschool.[4] Nonetheless, Hawaiis preschool enrollment rates are slightly better than the national average.[5] About 96 percent of all preschools in the state are private, and the average tuition rate is $680 per month. Thats $8,160 per year.[5] Hawaii provides publicly-funded vouchers to low-income families through a program called Open Doors. Families use the vouchers to enroll their children at any licensed private preschools. These schools may be religious or non-religious programs. While licensed preschools are regulated for health and safety issues, the state does not regulate their curriculums. Amendment 4, on the other hand, is not a voucher program. Rather, its a direct payment to preschools. Since the preschools would be publicly funded, the state could regulate their curriculums.[4] SUPPORT The organization leading the campaign in support of the amendment is Yes on 4 for Pre-K Keiki. The campaign organization is a project of Good Beginnings Alliance and Childrens Action Network.[6] Supporters contend that the state should provide more funding to private preschool education in order to give young children more access to high-quality education. The public school system is not equipped with the facilities or teachers needed to provide such education, according to amendment proponents. Amendment 4 was introduced into the legislature by Sen. Donna Mercado Kim (D-14).[1] OPPOSITION The Hawaii State Teachers Association is playing a prominent role in the campaign against the amendment.[16] Opponents argue that the amendment won’t create equal opportunities for all children and will subsidize wealthy private schools. They claim the amendment will take money from public schools. Many are calling for fully funded preschool, but through the state’s public education system. There is the background, you decide. #vote2014 #votekauai #elections2014
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 19:46:40 +0000
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