The State House Republican Caucus has released the following statement:

GOP: Reform Public Education!

LEMAHIEU RESIGNATION SHOWS HOW BROKEN THE SYSTEM IS

The departure of School Superintendent Paul LeMahieu is yet another sign that Hawaii's public education system is broken and needs comprehensive reform. Although the House Republican Caucus is troubled by the allegations of a possible conflict of interest in awarding Felix contracts, we welcomed LaMahieu's hard work in trying to change the status quo. In the end the status quo devoured LeMahieu just as it is failing Hawaii's children.

On the heels of a damaging teacher strike, Hawaii's entire public education system has again been thrown into chaos with the resignation of one man. Hawaii deserves better. The House Republican Caucus calls upon the legislature to adopt a local school board structure, increase the use of charter schools, and allow principals to work under personal contracts--three ways to dramatically reform our public education system. Continuing with the status quo is simply unacceptable. Hawaii's Republican representatives will continue to fight for change and challenge the current public education system that so regularly fails our children.

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