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This January, my Maui home was scheduled to host two high school foreign exchange students, but confusion, lack of leadership and foggy vision have caused this exceptional experience to be canceled.
With extra effort and planning, our Maui private schools are providing full-time on-campus learning with comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols for both students and staff.
There seems to be no organized plan or target date when the DOE will have public school students back on campus. In fact, some school principals have said, "We are just winging it."
The lack of direction and planning comes from the top of our state government. It starts with the governor's vision and leadership. When you have poor leadership and communication skills, you have bad outcomes.
Students attending Hawaiian private schools are moving successfully forward with their education. Our public-school students, however, are at a significant disadvantage with virtual or blended learning, and could struggle for future success.
What has happened should serve as a reminder that it's important who you elect to public office and the misfortunes that can happen with indecisive, weak leadership.
We need elected representatives without a political agenda, who have vision and communication skills with the leadership ability to bring people together to solve complex problems.
Be mindful of who you vote for; failed leaders do impact our community and our keiki have clearly experienced this failed leadership.
Phil Winter
Kihei