For years, there have been two main opinions concerning improving Hawai'i's education system. One side calls for more spending, while the other calls for major reform to the system.

In my opinion, spending more is not the solution. The State of Hawai'i Data Book 2008 states that in 2004, $1.8 billion was spent on lower education (K-12) and in 2007, $2.3 billion was spent. From 2004-2007, spending increased 31 percent while enrollment drop- ped 2 percent. If you take the exact numbers from the Data Book, you'll find that per student spending in 2007 was $18,162.14. This year, it cost just over $17,300 to send a child to Punahou.

It is obvious to me that we cannot be focused solely on money. The Board of Education must be held accountable for its actions or lack thereof. Speaking of the BOE, do you remember who you voted for in the last election? Did you even participate in the BOE election at all? Turnout for the BOE election is among the lowest in an already voter-apathetic state. We need to explore options other than spend, spend, spend.

Drake Boyer | Grade 10, homeschooled