WHO WE ARE

Parents for Public Schools Hawaii (“PPS-HI”) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of parents, educators, community leaders, policy makers, and other stakeholders in Hawai`i public education.  PPS-HI is a member of the national organization, Parents for Public Schools Inc., which has established 17 chapters in 12 states.

WHAT WE DO

We work collaboratively to improve and support public education in Hawai`i by increasing family and community engagement through programs, events, and other activities.  We also work with key decision makers to advocate for policies that increase educational opportunities for parents, families, and children.

OUR MISSION

The mission of PPS Hawai`i is to engage parents, students and community members across the State in supporting enriched and quality public education through:

 

(1) effective communication between families, community, and schools,
(2) greater awareness of educational policies and practices,
(3) community involvement in education and decision making that promotes school support, improvement, and student achievement, and
(4) accurate media representation of public education.

OUR HISTORY

Parents for Public Schools—Hawai`i (“PPSHI”) emerged from struggles in our public education system.
The genesis of PPS Hawaii dates to the fall of 2009, when public schools closed for 17 “Furlough Fridays” in an attempt to cover a state budget shortfall. SOS Hawai’i –  a grassroots group of community
members, students and parents – was created in opposition to then-Governor Linda Lingle’s decision to cut public education funding.

We realized that family voices had been left out of the conversation about public education.
Since then, many SOS members joined with other concerned citizens in order to form our Hawaii chapter of the national organization, Parents for Public Schools Inc., and we remain equally passionate about improving the quality of Hawaii’s public schools.

We work in partnership with other organizations that value public education, such as:
Parents for Public Schools – National – http://parents4publicschools.org
Hawai‘i Childrens Action Network – https://www.hawaii-can.org
Hui for Excellence in Education (HE`E) – http://www.heecoalition.org
Broadband Hui – https://www.broadbandhui.org
Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance – https://www.hawaiiafterschoolalliance.org

MEMBERSHIP

JOIN US: Show your support for public schools by becoming a member today, and join a statewide movement to improve public education for the children of Hawai`i!
As a member, PPS-HI will equip you with skills and resources necessary to:

  • Increase community involvement and collaboration with decision-makers at all levels of government;

  • Monitor and present testimony on current education legislation and policies;

  • Promote accurate and positive media representation of public education; and

  • Support a public education system that values diversity and critical thinking.Sign up Online

Click here to learn about Our Team