HONOLULU -- Gov. Linda Lingle invited about two dozen public school principals, teachers and parents to her office Thursday, to discuss three education bills awaiting her signature.

At the top of the list, a bill that sets aside $67 million from the state Hurricane Relief Fund to end furlough Fridays at Hawaii’s public schools.

“I told the governor, put those children back in school by next Wednesday afternoon, before they go on vacation. She said she would really try,” said Jo Curran, of Hawaii Education Matters.

Marguerite Higa, of Save Our Schools, was among those invited to the discussion. She was one of four furlough protestors arrested during the eight-day sit in at the governor’s office last month. “We were really happy and we hope that we can all move on from this and collaborate to make education better,” said Higa.

Higa was glad to participate in the discussion with the governor to end furlough Fridays. “She said that she wanted to do it quickly and we were very encouraged by that,” Higa said.

Educators and parents said they urged the governor to sign the bill by next Wednesday, the last day of instruction at public schools. “The teachers really need to plan. Right now, they’re making two sets of plans. One with furloughs, one without. It’s a huge waste of energy,” Higa said.

The governor also sought input on a bill that would expand the amount of instructional time at Hawaii’s public schools. “It’ll bring Hawaii’s children in line with the rest of the nation as far as instructional time goes. There’s a lot of support for increasing the length of school days,” said parent Melanie Bailey.

The governor also sought input on a constitutional amendment bill that would ask voters if the Board of Education should be appointed by the governor.

The group said there was more disagreement on that bill and the governor is concerned about the selection committee.

Lingle was not available for comment.