GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $100 MILLION TO DOE FOR SCHOOL REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
For Immediate Release: November 17, 2004
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle announced today she has released $100 million to the Department of Education (DOE) in order to meet the mandate of Act 51, the Reinventing Education Act of 2004.
Under the current system, the DOE budget includes funds for school repair and maintenance. Based on this budget, the DOE establishes a priority list for projects, requests release of funds from the Department of Budget and Finance in accordance with this priority list, and then works with the Department of Accounting and General Services’ (DAGS) facilities staff to execute these projects. Under the new arrangement, the DOE will be responsible for setting project priorities and fulfilling those priorities by directly contracting for repair and maintenance.
In a letter addressed to the principals of all 262 public and conversion charter school campuses statewide, the Governor reaffirmed her belief that well-maintained school facilities are an essential part of a good educational system and the success of students. She urged principals to contact the Superintendent of Schools Pat Hamamoto to inform her of their school’s repair priorities.
“For too long, our schools have been plagued with worsening physical conditions and a growing backlog of repairs,” Governor Lingle said in the letter. “Over the past several months, I have reviewed the reasons why this situation has arisen and concluded that a significant problem lies with the way in which repair and maintenance projects are processed within the bureaucracy.”
The DOE will be responsible for soliciting contractors to perform the work and for monitoring their performance for $50 million of the total amount. For the other $50 million, the DOE has asked DAGS to solicit bids and manage the contracted work until the DOE is prepared to assume the full responsibility for this function on July 1, 2005 as required by the new law. The Lingle-Aiona Administration will work closely with the DOE to provide training and processing support during this transition.
The provisions of Act 51 require that as of July 1, 2005, the DOE assume responsibility for capital improvement projects throughout the school system, including the construction of new schools.
“This new arrangement will allow the DOE to move forward on ensuring our schools are kept in good repair and will provide accountability to the public,” said Governor Lingle. “I have seen firsthand on numerous occasions the deteriorating and dilapidated conditions under which many of our students and educators must work. By releasing and using funds now, we can establish a physical environment conducive to learning that is safe, clean and comfortable.”
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For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7705
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043
