We’re all going to Disney World
WHO: Hawaii State Board of Education
WHAT: Hawaii school board Chairwoman Donna Ikeda defended the $1.5 million spent to send 644 people to the Model Schools Conference at Disney World in June after Gov. Linda Lingle questioned the expenditure. Ikeda defended the junket, part of which was paid for with federal funds, as a “vital investment” in professional development. But Lingle has ordered an investigation, because the school board is supposed to be figuring out how to cut $9.2 million from its budget.
WHY: There are cheaper ways to keep educators up to date than sending 644 of them on a free vacation to Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resort.
