Just finished submitting testimony opposing the nomination of Donald Horner to the Board of Education: To Chairperson Tokuda and Committee Members, My name is Lynn Robinson-Onderko. I am an 11 year resident of Ewa Beach and proud mother of two sons in our public education system here in Hawaii. I am a fierce supporter of our public schools. There are many options for education on the island and I have always known that our public schools would be the best place my keiki and our family. I am opposed to the confirmation of Donald Horner to the Board of Education (BOE) for the following reasons: Donald Horner’s direct ties and with organizations like Transformation Hawaii, the Pastor’s Roundtable, New Hope and the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel raise huge red flags for me. These organizations have publicly opposed a science based curriculum and a educational climate that makes all students feel safe and included. These very things they oppose should be at the core of our secular, public school curriculum. Even more concerning is the fact that Horner didn’t disclose his affiliation with these organizations. His failure to mention his position as Associate Pastor at New Hope upon his last nomination was underhanded and unacceptable. Since taking over as Chair of the BOE Mr. Horner has systematically restricted public access to the BOE meetings. Meetings that were once scheduled after school into the early evenings are now scheduled during school days. Therefore, most working parents, teachers and students are unable to attend. The broadcasts of BOE meetings on Olelo have been discontinued. Mr. Horner has refused to hear public testimony which violates the Sunshine Law. His affiliation with the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel is an obvious conflict of interest when you consider Foursquare represents at least two dozen churches that were found to be using public school facilities without paying proper rental fees. I believe Mr. Horner’s time serving on our BOE has been harmful to our schools and to the integrity of the BOE as a whole. Our public schools deserve representation without self-interest. I humbly ask that you withhold his confirmation in committee. Thank you for your time and attention. Respectfully, Lynn Onderko Ewa Beach, HI 96706 Lynneronderko@gmail
Posted on: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 03:23:28 +0000