The state has rejected the Hawaii teachers union’s request for bigger pay raises and more control over the development of a new evaluation system.

“While we were pleased that HSTA finally presented a proposal, we were surprised and disappointed by its contents,” stated Board of Education member Jim Williams. “We depend on and value our teaching professionals. The HSTA’s proposal is not financially viable or prudent. By their actions – delays providing a proposal, declining to make negotiations meetings a priority, making unrealistic financial demands and seeking to delay implementation of the new Educator Effectiveness System – HSTA leaders do not appear to be moving urgently toward reaching an agreement.” 

Contract talks are set to resume Wednesday, according to a DOE release.

Check Civil Beat later for a full story on the state’s response to HSTA’s latest offer.