Moving to Hawaii (fit in, transplants, mortgage)

[arteacher1]

I'm a single mom with a little girl who will be eleven in a couple of weeks. I am a teacher with a masters degree (if that helps in determining my salary and being albe to make it) and I understand that the DOE places you and you do not really choose where you end up. However, if I am informed ahead of time with information I can decide whether to accept the position.

We are both sick of snow and want a new start. I have read really negative things about the kids and racism in the schools as well as drugs. I want this to be a good thing for my daughter and not devastating.

I have also read really good things and that it was a good move for their family in Maui. I really do not think we could afford to live in Mauai on a teachers salary.

I have not really heard about Kauai. I thought Kauai was a family island and that's why I was leaning towards it. Am I misinformed?

Could someone please tell me about Kauai. I put on my application preferrence Kauai and was leaning toward Princetown. I've looked at many places that include all utilities and I think on a teachers salary we'll be okay in Kauai. Most places are $1,100 for a 2 bedroom including utilities. By the time I pay my mortgage now and all utilities it is far more than that. I guess they have a lot of solar power and my house was built in 1943. Is this a good place to raise a family? Will she fit in okay in Kauai?

We are both so excited about this opportunity.

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by arteacher1

I have this new tiny net book and noticed I did not push down on some of my keys hard enough and now it looks like I can not spell. I should have preread it first. This is new to me.
Embarrassed,
Arteacher

Assuming you are an art teacher from your name, so I think it was to be expected.

[mdand3boys]

Here is a link to the Hawaii Board of Ed. teacher salary listing:

Hawaii Teacher Salary Schedule

[arteacher1]

I have been reading forums for two days and saw many mistakes. I think it's sad no one commented on my question but instead only insult me on a mistake.

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by arteacher1

I have been reading forums for two days and saw many mistakes. I think it's sad no one commented on my question but instead only insult me on a mistake.

Oh please. Just a little humor. No insult was intended. Notice the that was inserted? Also note that I provided you with the link to the teacher salary schedule...

[arteacher1]

Thank you for the link. I already have that though, I really want to know if Kauai is a nice place to raise a family. I have read so many comments about other islands not accepting transplants.

[arteacher1]

Thank you for the link. I sent you this once but it looks like it did not post. Do you live in Hawaii? I really want to know about Kauai. Thanks

[mdand3boys]

I have been to Kauai. We originally wanted to move there, but the exorbitant cost of living, few services that we desired, the smallness of the island, etc. made us reconsider. We are moving to the Big Island in about 3 weeks. Kauai had too many negatives for us, since we are not wealthy retirees.

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by arteacher1

.... I think it's sad no one commented on my question ....

BTW, no one commented on your question because you posted it at 3:30am, Hawaii time! Give them a chance to wake up. Right now (5:15am Hawaii time) you will still be getting mainland responses.

Where do you live now?

[arteacher1]

That's funny! I had not thought of the time change. We are in Missouri YUK. Sounds like finacially we are similar. What were the negatives of Kauai? Does the big Island have good schools? Will my daughter intregrate well there?