Ember Reichgott Junge moderated a panel discussion with former Governor David Ige and former Senator Mike McCartney on the evolution of Hawaiian charter schools. As of 2025, 38 charter schools in Hawaii serve over 13,000 students, with 17 focusing on Hawaiian culture and five offering Hawaiian language immersion. The panelists discussed the historical context, including the Nation at Risk report and the shift from industrial to digital education. They highlighted the importance of collaboration, the challenges of facilities funding, and the role of charter schools in preserving Hawaiian culture and language. The conversation emphasized the need for continuous improvement and the balance between autonomy and accountability.
Transcript
Outline
Introduction and Overview of Hawaiian Charter Schools
- Ember Reichgott Junge introduces the session as the second in a series of Hawaiian oral histories, focusing on the preservation and sustaining of Hawaiian cultural schools.
- Ember provides an overview of Hawaiian charter schools as of 2025, noting there are 38 charter schools operating in Hawaii, serving over 13,000 students.
- 17 of these schools are Hawaiian-focused, with five being Hawaiian language charter schools.
- Ember introduces the panelists: former Governor David Ige and former Senator Mike McCartney, highlighting their respective careers and contributions to education in Hawaii.
Backgrounds of Governor David Ige and Senator Mike McCartney
- Governor David Ige shares his background, detailing his public education journey from Pearl City Elementary to the University of Hawaii, where he earned degrees in engineering and business administration.
- David emphasizes the importance of education in his upbringing, influenced by his parents who grew up on plantations.
- Senator Mike McCartney introduces himself, mentioning his upbringing in Kahaluu, his parents’ roles as educators, and his diverse career path including working for the teachers’ union and as Chief of Staff to Governor Ige.
- Both panelists discuss their early entry into politics, with David starting as a state representative at age 29 and Mike as a state senator at age 31.
Early Careers and Entry into Politics
- David recounts his appointment to the state legislature at age 29, initially as an electrical engineer and later as a legislator.
- Ember shares her own experience, starting in the Minnesota State Senate at age 29 and becoming the youngest woman ever elected to the Senate.
- David and Mike discuss their initial motivations for entering politics, with David being appointed to fill a vacancy and Mike volunteering on a campaign.
- Both panelists highlight the importance of education in their early careers and their commitment to improving public education.
Education Reform and Collaboration in the 1980s
- David and Mike discuss the state of education in the 1980s, focusing on the Nation at Risk report and the shift from an industrial to a digital information age.
- They emphasize the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Business Roundtable, unions, and private schools.
- David shares an anecdote about a private school teacher restructuring the science curriculum and the Department of Education’s lack of implementation.
- Mike highlights their efforts to set up statewide student performance standards and support innovative schools like Wai’alae Elementary and Na’alehu Elementary.
Creation of Student-Centered Schools and Chartering
- Ember asks about the creation of student-centered schools and the pathway to chartering in Hawaii.
- David explains the focus on student outcomes and the need for a system that prioritizes the classroom interaction between teachers and students.
- Mike discusses the collaborative efforts to create a comprehensive education reform bill, including input from various stakeholders and the use of public access television for community engagement.
- They highlight the importance of community involvement and the role of the Business Roundtable in supporting public education.
Challenges and Successes in Implementing Charter Schools
- David and Mike discuss the challenges of implementing charter schools, including the lack of support from the Department of Education and the Board of Education.
- They share the story of the first student-centered schools, including Waialae and Lanikai Elementary, and the need for flexibility and autonomy.
- The panelists emphasize the importance of collaboration with unions and the creation of supplemental agreements to support innovation in charter schools.
- They discuss the constitutional amendments proposed to limit the role of the Board of Education and provide more autonomy to charter schools.
Impact of Charter Schools on Hawaiian Culture and Language
- Ember highlights the role of charter schools in sustaining Hawaiian culture and language, noting the success of Hawaiian language immersion schools.
- David shares the history of the Hawaiian language ban in public schools and the efforts to revitalize the language through charter schools.
- Mike recounts a personal story of meeting young protesters at Mauna Kea who attended Hawaiian charter schools, illustrating the impact of their efforts.
- They discuss the growth of native Hawaiian speakers and the support from the Office of Hawaiian Education and the University of Hawaii.
Oversight and Accountability of Charter Schools
- Ember asks about the transition from the Board of Education to a commission for oversight of charter schools.
- David explains the need for fiscal oversight and accountability to ensure public funds are well-spent and students receive the education they deserve.
- Mike emphasizes the importance of having advocates for charters on the commission and the role of the commission in supporting and facilitating administrative responsibilities.
- They discuss the unique aspect of having the commission as the sole authorizer and the challenges of managing facilities funding for charter schools.
Future of Charter Schools and Continuous Improvement
- Ember asks about the future of charter schools and potential areas for continuous improvement.
- David highlights the need to address the facilities funding issue and the challenges faced by charter schools in accessing resources.
- Mike emphasizes the importance of balancing micromanagement and support for innovation and continuous improvement.
- They discuss the importance of equity and opportunity in education and the role of charter schools in providing diverse educational options.
Legacy and Final Thoughts
- Ember asks the panelists about their legacy and what they hope to be remembered for.
- David expresses his desire to be known for his commitment to education and his efforts to support Native Hawaiian language and culture.
- Mike shares his goal of changing the trajectory of Hawaii to ensure future generations choose to call Hawaii home.
- They both express gratitude for their collective efforts and the impact on the education system and the community in Hawaii.
