HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Board of Education (BOE) took action on July 30 to approve an Aug. 17 start date for Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) students.

With consensus from the labor unions representing school staff, the delay allows for nine additional days of staff training before students return. Teachers reported back to work on July 29.

The additional training days will include HIDOE-mandated training topics on health and safety, and instructional and student support.

If they haven’t already, parents are encouraged to contact their child’s school to select a learning option for school year 2020-21. This will help schools as they plan for distance learning and a mix of face-to-face instruction models. Student counts will guide staffing decisions, classroom arrangements and other procedures to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

As the COVID-19 situation evolves or as new health guidance becomes available, HIDOE will adjust its Return to Learn: School Reopening Plan to ensure that a safe learning and working environment is provided for students, teachers and staff. Updates about the school year will continue to be posted on the department’s website and social media platforms.

The board postponed a decision on waiving the statutory requirement that the 2020-21 school year include 180 instructional days and will revisit the topic at a later date.