Staff Shortages, Absences: Parents Grapple with Tough Realities of Schooling Today

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii’s public schools are in session, but the educational experience kids are getting isn’t quite the same.

That’s according to parents, some of whom say staffing shortages and absences have left them with mixed feelings about sending their kids back into the classroom.

“So the first couple of weeks were a little emotional, sometimes overwhelming,” said Figen Midles, who has two students at Moanalua Elementary.

“They were trying to figure out what’s coming today, what changes there will be.”

…

Advocates said more needs to be done for students who have to stay home.

“As more kids are facing quarantine and isolation, we need to really ask what is the minimum level of support and learning that they’re going to receive during those times,” said David Miyashiro, the executive director of HawaiiKidsCAN.

Shirley Yamauchi, a Kapolei Middle School teacher and a mother, said the most important thing to remember is school staff members are doing the best they can.

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