Teacher delegates from across the United States have voted in favor of a proposal by Ashley Olson, a Maui teacher, at the National Education Association’s Representative Assembly (NEA RA). The proposal aims to educate the public on the significant role that public schools play in community recovery after natural disasters.
Olson, who is an English Learner inclusion teacher at Lahainaluna High and President of the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association Maui Chapter, addressed nearly 7,000 educators during the NEA RA held in Portland, Oregon. She emphasized that while rebuilding infrastructure is important, schools are essential for rebuilding lives and communities.
The approved New Business Item (NBI) 41 states: “NEA shall use existing resources to educate the public about the critical role that public schools play in the recovery of communities affected by natural disasters.”
Reflecting on her experiences following devastating wildfires in West Maui in August 2023, Olson noted that over 100 people died and King Kamehameha III Elementary School was destroyed. She remarked, “Folks see the cost to rebuild buildings, but schools help to rebuild lives.”
She highlighted how educators provide crucial support after disasters yet often go unrecognized. Olson has been actively advocating for mental health support for educators and students and has requested fire relief leave banks for affected teachers.
During her speech at the assembly, Olson pointed out that many communities face funding challenges after disasters. “Without schools, communities cannot return after a disaster,” she said.
The NEA RA is an annual event where thousands of educators gather to discuss key issues affecting public education. This year’s assembly saw participation from nearly 7,000 educators nationwide. The NEA remains the largest union in the country and hosts this large democratic deliberative assembly each summer.
