STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE MEETING

MINUTES

Queen Liliuokalani Building
1390 Miller Street, Room 404
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Thursday, September 1, 2022

PRESENT:
Kaimana Barcarse, Chairperson
Shanty Asher, Vice Chairperson
Bill Arakaki
Lynn Fallin
Ken Kuraya
Kili Namauʻu
Bruce Voss
Lauren Moriarty, Ex Officio

EXCUSED:
None

ALSO PRESENT:
Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Department of Education
Disa Hauge, Complex Area Superintendent, Nanakuli-Waianae Complex Area, Department of Education
Ray Pikelny-Cook, Principal, Waianae High School
Sean Bacon, Interim Assistant Superintendent, Office of Talent Management, Department of Education
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Executive Secretary





I. Call to Order

Committee Chairperson Kaimana Barcarse called the Human Resources Committee (“Committee”) Meeting to order at 11:02 a.m. Committee Chairperson Barcarse, Vice Chairperson Shanty Asher, and Committee Members Bill Arakaki, Lynn Fallin, Ken Kuraya, Kili Namauʻu, and Bruce Voss, and Ex Officio Committee Member Lauren Moriarty were present.


II. Public testimony on Human Resources Committee (“Committee”) agenda items

Committee Chairperson Barcarse called for public testimony. No one testified at this time.


III. Approval of Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2022, June 16, 2022 (executive session)

Committee Chairperson Barcarse asked Committee members to review the Committee’s meeting minutes and executive session minutes of June 16, 2022.

Committee Member Namau‘u moved to approve the Committee’s meeting minutes and executive session minutes of June 16, 2022. Committee Vice Chairperson Asher seconded.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse asked if there were any objections to the motion. No Committee member raised objections, and the motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present (Committee Vice Chairperson Asher, Committee Members Arakaki, Fallin, Kuraya, Namauʻu, and Voss).

ACTION: Motion to approve the Human Resources Committee meeting minutes and executive session minutes of June 16, 2022 (Namau‘u/Asher). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


IV. Recommendation for Action

Committee Chairperson Barcarse called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one testified at this time.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse called on Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, to present the Department of Education’s (“Department”) recommendation on the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between State of Hawaii Board of Education and Hawaii Government Employees Association (“HGEA”) Bargaining Unit 06: 12-month Vice-Principal, Position Number 603498 Waianae High School Alternative Learning Programs and Services.

Hayashi outlined the Department’s recommendation and requested the approval of the MOU for HGEA Bargaining Unit 06 for the 12-month Vice Principal for the Waianae High School Alternative Learning Program. He explained that the MOU was established under former Complex Area Superintendent Ann Mahi to meet the needs of students to build skills to be successful academically, socially, and emotionally. Hayashi stated that for some students a large school setting is detrimental and in this program students receive support in community facilities. He also shared that during a site visit to the program he was able to witness firsthand that the program requires a trained administrator can de-escalate misconduct situations in a timely manner, in addition to overseeing daily operations.

Committee Member Voss moved to approve the “Memorandum of Understanding between State of Hawaii Board of Education and Hawaii Government Employees Association Bargaining Unit 06: 12-month Vice-Principal, Position Number 603498 Waianae High School Alternative Learning Programs and Services,” retroactively effective as of July 1, 2021, as attached to Hayashi’s memorandum dated September 1, 2022. Committee Member Namau‘u seconded.

Committee Member Voss expressed support for the Papahana ‘o Kaiona and expressed appreciation for the support from Kamehameha Schools for the facilities. He stated that many communities can benefit from this type of program and asked that the Department share with those at the complex area levels about how this program has improved student outcomes.

Disa Hauge, Complex Area Superintendent, Nanakuli-Waianae Complex Area, shared that the program provides students with true engagement and that staff make themselves available to students at all times, including during school breaks. She stated that Papahana ‘o Kaiona is a cohesive program, which helps students to gain a sense of community.

Committee Member Voss stated that every community is different and asked if the Department thinks it can replicate and expand this program to other communities.

Hauge replied that the Department can expand the program and noted that working with the alternative learning program coordinator helps to provide information about the learning and different strategies or feedback on various issues relating to students. She stated that it has been helpful to receive assistance from the state level and noted that this program can work in communities across the state.

Committee Member Kuraya asked if it would be more beneficial to have an individual school setup, similar to Olomana High School versus it being a program attached to Waianae High School. He noted that there might be issues with looking at data for students in the program, since the data would need to be extracted from Nanakuli High School student data. Hauge replied that the Department needs to look at this model and consider whether an individual school set up would be more beneficial.

Committee Member Kuraya stated that he would like to see if there is a way to expand or replicate the program and make it easier to replicate. He expressed support for the MOU.

Hauge stated that having a 12-month vice principal helps the complex area to continue to build the larger alternative learning program so that other programs being built across the state could be included.

Committee Member Arakaki expressed appreciation for the program and shared that funding was submitted for at-risk counselors. He asked how the various communities, specifically the neighbor islands, have the discussion to look at providing similar programs for their students. Committee Member Arakaki expressed support and emphasized the importance to move forward with these types of efforts.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse stated that a couple of months ago he spent the day in Waianae, unrelated to Board business, and that several leaders from the area spoke highly about Papahana ‘O Kaiona.

Ray Pikelny-Cook expressed appreciation for the program especially, for the students who have been adjudicated, who now have a window of opportunity to see what is happening in their community in various fields.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse asked about the future implications for the program and stated that based on the Department’s memorandum, the Department can expand the program for up to 100 students, based on facilities. He asked if the Department looked at the obstacles to the program’s success and asked about the long-term plan for the program. Hayashi replied that the program in Waianae serves as an example of the good things that can happen when schools are innovative and fortunate to have funding from the legislature. He stated that there are similar programs to support students statewide and that the Department is planning to expand the current programs and resources in terms of current facilities.

Hauge stated that the Department received funding to purchase the old Kaiser Permanente building in Maili to build the program and meet the long-term needs of students. She stated that the building includes an area for complex area staff to be together so they can better serve the community.

Committee Member Kuraya stated that the memorandum states that there are no facility implications and that this implies that these needs are being met. He expressed hope that eventually the program would not have any students because all the students are in a regular education setting, but that the Department needs to have a place for students to be nurtured and protected, since students may not have this at home.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse stated that the MOU for the vice principal positions is for two years with HGEA but that he would like a description of the long-term plan. Hayashi replied that the Department would discuss the implications moving forward with the alternative learning program coordinator and provide information to the Board.

Committee Member Kuraya asked how the program purchases supplies because the position is linked to Waianae High School. Pikelny-Cook confirmed that Waianae High School is handling these types of services.

Committee Member Kuraya asked if the vice principal is present for school meetings at Waianae High School. Pikelny-Cook replied that the vice principal holds separate meetings with staff from the program.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Committee Vice Chairperson Asher, Committee Members Arakaki, Fallin, Kuraya, Namauʻu, and Voss).

ACTION: Motion to approve the “Memorandum of Understanding between State of Hawaii Board of Education and Hawaii Government Employees Association Bargaining Unit 06: 12-month Vice-Principal, Position Number 603498 Waianae High School Alternative Learning Programs and Services,” retroactively effective as of July 1, 2021, as attached to Hayashi’s memorandum dated September 1, 2022 (Voss/Namau‘u). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Committee Chairperson Barcarse called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one testified at this time.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse called on Hayashi and Sean Bacon, Interim Assistant Superintendent, Office of Talent Management, to present the Department’s recommendation on compensation adjustments for EMCP employees.

Hayashi outlined the Department’s recommendation on the approval of compensation adjustments for EMCP employees including adjustments to salaries and benefit amounts administered by the Hawaii Employer Union Health Benefit Trust Fund (“EUTF”). He stated that to remain competitive, the Department is aligning its pay with Department of Human Resources Development (“DHRD”) excluded employees. Hayashi explained that the Department is suggesting six compensation actions over the 4-year period including: one retroactive lump sum payment; three across the board percent increases; and two increases within the salary range that are comparable to step movements for the included BU13 counterparts. He emphasized that the Department is committed to fair and equitable compensation and is hoping to attract the appropriate talent to six vacant positions.

Committee Member Voss moved to approve the salary updates and tentative agreement for Excluded Managerial Compensation Plan employees excluded from Bargaining Unit 13, retroactively effective as of July 1, 2021, as described in Hayashi’s memorandum, dated September 1, 2022. Committee Vice Chairperson Asher seconded.

Committee Member Fallin asked what areas the EMCP employee vacancies were in. Bacon replied that the vacancies are for two public works administrators in the Office of Facilities and Operations (“OFO”), and complex area business managers for the Executive Office of Early Learning and school food services.

Committee Member Fallin asked if the positions have been vacant for a while. Bacon confirmed that a few of the positions have been vacant for a while and the Department has been reviewing why employees are leaving these positions. He shared that the Department noticed that the minimum and maximum salary ranges were not in the same range as DHRD’s salary ranges, so the proposed recommendation would level the playing field.

Committee Member Arakaki asked for clarification on which employees are excluded, the effective dates for the salaries, including percentage increases, and an explanation of the WIRP increase in December for the respective years.

Bacon replied that excluded refers to employees excluded from collective bargaining, since these employees are in higher-level managerial positions that deal with confidential issues. He also explained that WIRP refers to “within range progression.” Bacon stated that the Board sets the minimum and maximum salary ranges for the deputy superintendent, complex area superintendents and that there are no steps within these salary ranges, so the Department would provide an across the board increase to mimic what step movements will look like.

Committee Member Kuraya asked how many total EMCP positions are in the Department. Bacon replied that there are 27 positions, including six vacancies.

Committee Member Kuraya asked if the compensation would apply to all 27 positions. Bacon confirmed that the recommendation would apply to all 27 positions.

Committee Member Kuraya asked if most of the EMCP positions are in OFO. Bacon replied that most of the EMCP positions are complex area business managers under the complex area superintendents.

Committee Member Voss stated that the recommendation describes the increases as comparable but Bacon used the term mimic. He asked if the increases were substantially identical to what was provided to BU13 and, if not, to describe the difference. Bacon replied that the increases are not identical to BU13 and explained that EMCP employees are classified as educational officers. Bacon stated that the Department is the only jurisdiction with BU06 employees and because EMCP employees do similar work to BU06 employees the Department reviewed increases given to counterparts and did an analysis including reviewing how DHRD handles increases.

Committee Member Voss expressed understanding of the need to fill the positions and noted that the adjustments are slightly more than what was granted to BU13. He asked how much more on a percentage basis is being granted to EMCP employees.

Bacon replied that the approximate increase for BU13 is 10%, BU06 received a 15% increase, and EMCP will receive a 15% increase if the Board approves the Department’s recommendation.

Committee Member Barcarse suggested that the Department read the written testimony the public submitted to the Board and asked for more clarification on the process and how it relates to Committee Member Voss’ questions.

Ex Officio Committee Member Moriarty stated that based on her understanding, the Department would provide increases for all 27 employees and that there is no requirement that employees received an effective rating in order to receive the increase. She asked if this is accurate and whether this is the same process used when providing salary increases to other bargaining unit members. Bacon replied that it is the same for all BU13 and BU06 members because performance ratings are not a requirement for increases; increases are across the board.

Committee Member Kuraya asked for clarification regarding the 15 complex area business managers and whether these positions are in OFO. Bacon replied that complex area business managers are in the complex area, but that some of the 27 positions are located in OFO, like the public works manager and student transportation manager.

Committee Member Kuraya stated that the Department creates educational officer positions and that compensation for educational officers is the same or higher than EMCP positions. He asked whether the Department has considered creating educational officer positions instead of these EMCP positions. Bacon replied that the Department provides offices the option of creating EMCP positions and that some offices prefer EMCP positions to educational officer positions.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Committee Vice Chairperson Asher, Committee Members Arakaki, Fallin, Kuraya, Namauʻu, and Voss).

ACTION: Motion to approve the salary updates and tentative agreement for Excluded Managerial Compensation Plan employees excluded from Bargaining Unit 13, retroactively effective as of July 1, 2021, as described in Hayashi’s memorandum, dated September 1, 2022 (Voss/Asher). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Committee Chairperson Barcarse called for public testimony on this agenda item.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified in support of the recommendation to appoint Heidi Armstrong as the deputy superintendent. She stated that Armstrong has a robust communication style that may help repair the distance that the public has felt from the Department when it has to address hard issues and discuss real problems.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse called on Hayashi and Bacon to present the Department’s recommendation on the appointment of deputy superintendent.

Hayashi outlined the Department’s request to approve the appointment of Armstrong as the deputy superintendent with a starting salary of $190,000. He explained that Armstrong would oversee efforts in addressing learning loss and address academic behavioral access to increase support across the state. Hayashi stated that Armstrong would also work to ensure access to educational programs for schools that would not have normally had the capacity to implement. He expressed support for Armstrong and noted that it has been a privilege to work with her during the transition after the retirement of the former deputy superintendent.

Committee Member Voss moved to approve the appointment of Heidi Armstrong as the deputy superintendent with an annual salary of $190,000, effective September 2, 2022. Committee Vice Chairperson Asher seconded.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse expressed appreciation for Armstrong for her work with the previous deputy superintendent, Phyllis Unebasami.

Committee Member Arakaki emphasized that the recommendation allows Hayashi to build his team and that it is great to see the right people in the right place.

Committee Member Voss echoed these comments and stated that he is impressed with Armstrong’s commitment and candor on how to fix things. He asked about the six bullet points that Armstrong will oversee because, as the Board learned through its training, if everything is a priority then nothing is a priority. He asked out of everything, what would be Armstrong’s number one priority.

Armstrong stated that her priority is ensuring the Department provides high quality instruction in every classroom every day for every student. She stated that each student has a dream and she would like to ensure that high quality instruction is available for every student and classroom. Armstrong stated that our students need to come to clean and properly prepared, that schools have appropriate technology support and robust curriculum guided by standards for all content areas, with the commitment to outreach and ensure the Department’s vision is achieved.

Committee Member Voss stated that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and he would like to know what Armstrong's first step would be.

Armstrong stated that starting with complex areas, she would like to focus on the vertical alignment to core curriculum including the transitions from elementary, middle, to high school.

Committee Member Kuraya stated that during previous meetings, the Board approved two additional deputies to support the success of the system. He emphasized that the Board is willing to support the Department and asked if there would be a review or reorganization of the current structure. Hayashi replied that along with the deputy superintendents the Department would assess and identify what is working and where he needs to make adjustments with assistant superintendents. He explained that then the Department could move forward to support schools.

Committee Member Kuraya stated that the Department has seven assistant superintendents, so it is time for change and that it will be beneficial for the Department to move forward when determining its requests for appropriations.

Hayashi noted that the Department’s state level leadership is less than what similar sized districts have in other states.

Committee Member Namauʻu echoed comments from Committee Member Kuraya. She expressed appreciation for Armstrong and asked if she will oversee the Office of Hawaiian Education (“OHE”). Hayashi replied that once the Board confirms Armstrong, he would work on an assessment of the whole system to determine how to address OHE’s needs.

Committee Vice Chairperson Asher stated that it has been a pleasure to work with Armstrong and echoed comments that she has the ability to listen, which would allow schools to implement programs that schools believe would address student needs. She stated that Farrington High School started a newcomer center to provide language assistance and that this happened because Armstrong listened and trusted the staff. Committee Vice Chairperson Asher encouraged schools to continue to track progress to ensure that there are fewer students falling one or more grade levels below, increase graduation rates, and ensure that summer school is not just a time to address learning gaps.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Committee Vice Chairperson Asher, Committee Members Arakaki, Fallin, Kuraya, Namauʻu, and Voss).

ACTION: Motion to approve the appointment of Heidi Armstrong as the deputy superintendent with an annual salary of $190,000, effective September 2, 2022 (Voss/Asher). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

Armstrong expressed her appreciation, stated that she is looking forward to serving, and that she will give her dedication to move the system forward. She noted that it will be a challenge but she will give it her all.


V. Late Public Testimony on Board Agenda Items

Committee Chairperson Barcarse called for public testimony from any individuals who did not have an opportunity to testify on earlier agenda items.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item IV.A, entitled “Committee Action on Memorandum of Understanding between State of Hawaii Board of Education and Hawaii Government Employees Association Bargaining Unit 06, 12-month Vice-Principal, Position Number 603498 Waianae High School Alternative Learning Programs and Services.” She expressed excitement to learn about the program, expressed her support for any alternative learning program, and noted that the program provides an opportunity for students to succeed.

Committee members received written testimony before the meeting. The following is a listing of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting.

Name
Organization
Agenda Item
Susan Pcola-DavisIV.C. Committee Action on appointment of deputy superintendent
Bob DavisComplex Area Superintendent, Leilehua-Mililani-WaialuaIV.C. Committee Action on appointment of deputy superintendent



VI. Adjournment

Committee Chairperson Barcarse adjourned the meeting at 12:20 p.m.