Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education and Military Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 280, 281, and 282, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds the nominees to have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.

Testimony in support of JONATHAN GILLENTINE was submitted by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, Hawaii State Teachers Association and three individuals. Mr. Gillentine is an active member of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Windward Chapter. He has obtained an Early Childhood-Generalist Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and has recently successfully defended his dissertation for his doctoral degree in Curriculum Studies at the University of Hawaii. His strong foundation in professional development will be an asset to the board.

Testimony in support of CAROL SEIELSTAD was submitted by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, Hawaii State Teachers Association, and four individuals. Ms. Seielstad has a unique perspective in education, having taught in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Maryland, California, and Kauai. She obtained her National Board Certification in 2003 and is licensed in two critical areas, reading and special education. Her expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication to teaching have served Hanalei School well since 1990, and your Committee is certain that she will bring the same level of professionalism to the board.

Testimony in support of JULIE K. TOMOMITSU was submitted by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, Hawaii State Teachers Association, Maemae School, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage of Hawaii, and eight individuals. Ms. Tomomitsu's strong foundation in education is evident through her education degrees and certificates, including a Master's degree in Secondary Art Education and Master's degree in Library Studies. She has been employed by the Department of Education for more than twenty years and is presently the librarian at Maemae Elementary School. Her accomplishments include National Board Certification, the Golden Key Award, and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Acquisition Award. Ms. Tomomitsu's dedication to her profession and knowledge of teaching will contribute to the work of the board.

Your Committee members diligently questioned the nominees regarding their vision and priorities regarding the standard of teachers in the State's public schools. The nominees demonstrated a commitment to proactively protect and improve the integrity of the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. Your Committee believes that the nominees adequately responded to the Committee's inquiries.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.