The State Department of Education says it will report new cases of COVID-19 in the school system once a week. The DOE says it does not plan to report cases by individual school, but by complex area. On Hawaii Island, there are three complex areas–Hilo-Waiakea, Honoka’a-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena, and Ka’u-Kea’au-Pahoa.
The DOE ‘s most recent report says there are no cases reported in the past week at Hawaii Island public schools, none in Maui County nor on Kaua’i, but cases at 6 schools on O’ahu. It says there have been 15 overall (including one at Hilo Intermediate School). The DOE says all campuses were sanitized and notification went out to staff in all cases. In two of the recent cases, parent notification went out as well in anticipation of school visits from families to pick up materials.
The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) says since Aug. 12, it has received reports from teachers of 7 cases in O’ahu schools. Corey Rosenlee, President of HSTA, said “The HIDOE’s approach releasing vague information once a week is the opposite of what the public needs during a pandemic: specific, timely updates.”
Rosenlee also praised private schools in Hawaii, including Kamehameha Schools, Punahou School, Iolani School, and Sacred Hearts Academy, for being proactive in notifying parents, staff, and the community of positive cases on their campuses.
The DOE’s plan does not include charter schools.
