The state Department of Education (DOE) works with schools in providing services for students while accommodating population trends.

Enrollment at schools can fluctuate depending on the trends in their communities.

Concerns were raised in the Star-Advertiser story, “Shafter pupils use cafeteria as classroom, eat on tarps” (Dec. 12) over an ongoing project at Shafter Elementary School, where we are working on setting up additional portable classrooms to meet the needs of more students.

The school should be commended for coming up with innovative temporary solutions by turning the cafeteria and library into dynamic learning environments equipped with technology, as well as using creative partnerships to ensure the comfort of the students during lunch with picnic tables and tents.

Projects require coordination and a procurement process with other agencies, like the Army in this case. Beyond the adequacy of structures, we ensure that all safety installations are performed.

Dann Carlson

Assistant superintendent, Department of Education

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Healthiest states went for Clinton

“Hawaii again tops in health” (Star-Advertiser, Dec. 15) also identifies the 10 healthiest states and the 10 least-healthy states. Nine of the 10 healthiest states voted for Hillary Clinton. All 10 of the least healthy states voted for Donald Trump.

It isn’t for me to say why this is so. Nevertheless, it is a curious fact.

Sid Rosen

Hawaii Kai

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Tests measure real-world skills

The Programme for International Assessment (PISA) is an international survey evaluating the knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds.

PISA provides information on how U.S. students compare to those in 35 countries in reading, science and mathematics, with a different perspective than state and national assessments.

But PISA happens only once every three years, and it’s difficult to use those results to shape action plans at the school or district level.

With support from the Global Learning Network and America Achieves, University Laboratory School participated in the OECD Test for Schools, an annual PISA-based school improvement tool.

More important than comparing our students to their global peers, the OECD Test provides insight into how effectively our students apply knowledge to solve real- world problems and student perspectives on learning.

Mahalo to our school supporters and most importantly to our students, who continue to challenge themselves to be the best thinkers they can be.

A. Keoni Jeremiah

Principal, University Laboratory School

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Only 1 director an elected official

As the newspaper covers for the mayor’s conflict of interest in accepting a quarter-million dollars in bank fees (“Board directors at public isle companies are paid well for expertise, experience,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 15), it should emphasize that none of the other recipients of director’s fees named in the story is an elected full-time executive of our government.

This is the critical essence so craftily downplayed.

Michael G. Palcic

St. Louis Heights

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Bring back legal gambling

What wonderful Christmas news: “Oahu assessments will rise by 5.9%” (Star-Advertiser, Dec. 14).

I suggest our city tax officials read the Star-Advertiser business report, “Japanese take first step toward allowing casinos” (Dec. 15).

Rather than always just increasing taxes on local residents, why not increase revenue?

The referenced article said, “Supporters of casino legislation say it would enhance Japan’s allure as a tourism destination and draw in wealthier travelers.”

The majority of Hawaii residents consider casinos to be a form of entertainment and not some dark enterprise.

Milton Allione

Kailua

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Random Acts of Kindness

In the spirit of this holiday season, readers are invited to write in about random acts of kindness — something that is so unexpected but special and touching that it should be shared with our community.

Send a 150-word letter, or a commentary at 500-600 words, to letters@staradvertiser.com by Dec. 21. A collection of them will run on Christmas Day.