HONOLULU -- School system leaders on Thursday afternoon had their first meeting with the governor's office on Linda Lingle's plan to end school furloughs. However, it may take more cuts in the Department of Education.

The effort to end school furloughs is a huge undertaking with very little time to spare. So Thursday's one-hour meeting at the Liliuokalani Building meeting set the ground rules for where everyone will have to give to make it happen.

The governor proposed $50 million from the rainy day fund to erase 27 furlough days. So far, everyone -- the unions, Legislature and school leaders -- like the concept.

The problem is that the $50 million may be as much as $10 million short of what is needed to cover all 27 days.

Schools Superintendent Pat Hamamoto told KITV the governor does not appear willing to accept any fewer classroom days.

"They are pretty firm about wanting to restore all 27 days," Hamamoto said. "It's just not enough money and not enough resources. So we have to take a look at everything."

Hamamoto said she is not considering laying off teachers to come up with the money. However, Hamamoto said she hopes to find it elsewhere in the budget.

She will have to do it fast. The Legislature wants a complete deal with both unions and details of changes to the state budget all agreed to before a special session. That would have to happen well before school starts after the Christmas break.