August 15, 2024

STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE

MINUTES

Queen Liliuokalani Building
1390 Miller Street, Room 404
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Thursday, August 15, 2024

PRESENT:
Wesley Lo, Chairperson
Kaimana Barcarse, Vice Chairperson
Elynne Chung
Mary Hattori
Bill Arakaki, Ex Officio
Ken Kuraya, Ex Officio
Roy Takumi, Ex Officio

EXCUSED:
Makana McClellan

ALSO PRESENT:
Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Department of Education
Ethan Yang, Board Student Representative
Capsun Poe, Board Executive Director
Wimmie Wong Lui, Board Analyst
Lady Garrett, Secretary

I. Call to Order

Committee Chairperson Wesley Lo called the Board of Education (“Board”) Human Resources Committee meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.

II. Approval of Meeting Minutes of February 8, 2024

ACTION: Motion to defer the Human Resources Committee February 8, 2024 meeting minutes. (Hattori/Lo). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.

Committee Member Hattori noted that during discussion item III.A public testimony from Rechelle Ayau-Odom was provided in ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian language) but no translation was provided. She requested that the minutes be deferred to include a translation of the testimony for the official record.

Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse expressed support to defer the minutes and encouraged the Board staff to reach out to the Office of Hawaiian Education to include a summary of the testimony provided.

Committee Chairperson Lo called for public testimony on agenda item II.

Julie Reyes Oda, Teacher, Nanakuli Middle & High School, requested the following edits to the minutes of the Human Resources Committee meeting held on February 8, 2024 as follows: (1) under agenda item III.A. paragraph 7 remove the hyphen in her last name and include that she is a teacher at Nanakuli Middle and High School; (2) edit “many teachers do not want to become administrators including myself”; (4) edit “during the workday there needs to be urgency”; and (5) insert that “shortage differentials will continue.”

Committee Chairperson Lo acknowledged the requests for edits to the minutes of February 8, 2024 and asked the Board staff to review and reflect the suggested changes for accuracy. The Committee deferred the approval of the February 8, 2024 Human Resource Committee minutes.

III. Superintendent's self-assessment on performance based on professional standards and targeted goals for the 2023-2024 school year

Committee Chairperson Lo called on Keith Hayashi, Superintendent to provide his self-assessment on performance based on professional standards and targeted goals for the 2023-2024 school year.

Hayashi summarized his self-assessment for the 2023-2024 school year and expressed pride in the collective achievements; however, he also acknowledged that there are areas that need to continue to grow. He shared that the 2023-2024 school year focused on two themes the first being Neʻepapa (working together in unison) which was exemplified in the response efforts to the devastating Maui wildfires in Lahaina. The next theme was “Globally Competitive, Locally Committed” which drove efforts to ramp up efforts in career readiness with industry partnerships to help ensure students are able to compete globally while maintaining unique local values.

Hayashi emphasized that a strong public education system is focused on student success and in academics steady improvements in 4th grade reading where Hawaii ranks in the top 10 of the nation according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). He recognized that 4th grade math, and 8th grade reading and math has not seen the same improvements. The statewide Smarter Balanced assessments show that students are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels which is a significant milestone since other states are struggling to recover from pandemic setbacks. The Department identified four foundational strategies: (1) healthy habits, health schools; (2) action oriented data decision making; (3) responsive capacity building; and (4) effective academic practices to assist with navigating the uniqueness of each complex area. The Department has implemented an app called “Trust Circle” which allows students to report how they are feeling to help schools provide assistance.

Hayashi outlined targeted goal 1 relates to the strategic plan which focused on aligning key processes in the strategic plan goals to ensure everyone is working together to support student learning and development. As of July 2024, 106 out of 115 strategic plan action items are either complete or in progress. The Department is committed to modernizing outdated technology, improving student attendance, and better aligning our financial and human resources with strategic goals to strengthen support for schools. In workforce readiness relating to targeted goal 2, the Department has expanded work-based opportunities across the state to streamline efforts. The Department has worked to address targeted goal 3, overall real estate optimization efforts by developing a process for repairs and maintenance and CIP projects to reduce backlog. The devastating Maui wildfires occurred one day before the start of the school year and as targeted goal 4, the response efforts helped to ensure the health and safety of students and employees.

Hayashi expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve as the superintendent for the public education system. He called on Elizabeth Higashi, Interim Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance (OSIP) to share the stakeholder feedback.

Higashi shared about the 360 feedback stakeholder survey conducted for Hayashi’s evaluation. The feedback was provided by 4% of Board members, 25% of Department employees, 32% of community partners, 13% educational partners, and 27% government officials. She noted that 67 out of 100 individuals responded to the survey and the rating of performance averaged 89%.

Committee Chairperson Lo called for public testimony on agenda item III.

Ken Hiraki, Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation, testified in strong support of Hayashi.

Stacey Bookland, Lahaina Middle School Principal, testified in support and expressed gratitude to Hayashi for his work after the devastating Maui wildfires.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified that regarding the Maui wildfires the Board received testimony from teachers that efforts were too little and too late. She referenced the problems with the CIP and expressed concern about things that will be done but there are too many lines on what will be done. The strategic plan 92% of action items completed with more in the planning stages – completed a 6 year plan in little over 2 years since this is complete when the next one is being developed.

Julie Reyes Oda, Teacher, Nanakuli High & Intermediate School, testified that OREO and personnel management Hayashi brought on more staff but systems are not in place. She stated that I’ll do better next time and will not cut it. She asked how the Department keep teachers does from quitting and bringing in teachers from other countries is not the answer. 360 feedback the school community is a major part in the system and asked that evaluations be realistic.

Richard Fajardo, Complex Area Superintendent, Pearl City-Waipahu Complex Area, expressed support for Hayashi and expressed appreciation for the visionary leadership he provides to ensure that every decision is focused on a shared vision.

Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse reiterated that no Board action will be taken and the self-assessment is a good narrative which provides a lot of high level examples but to support the effective rating more details are needed. He suggested that each goal include a detailed list of what still needs to be completed. Hayashi asked for clarification on the type of details being suggested. Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse replied that regarding the professional standards it would be helpful to understand what are some of the specific items that have improved to measure how much has been advanced.

Hayashi stated that the 106 action items are completed or in progress so the Board can decide which items to support. Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse stated that the Board can only support items with good information and a solid foundation.

Board Member Arakaki, ex officio emphasized that given the testimonies and during school visits Board Members can see what is being incorporated at the schools and the plans are all in sync which shows authentic examples.

Committee Member Hattori acknowledged that the self-evaluation references the staff and noted that it is important to balance the achievements of the team but also include aspects as the individual leader.

Committee Member Chung expressed understanding of the self-evaluation and stated that there are tons of items that defend the self-assessment to understand what is done on a daily basis.

Board Member Kuraya, ex officio stated that Hayashi is good at sharing about the accomplishments of individuals but the Board needs to review what he has done to move the Department forward. He noted that Hayashi takes time to listen to individuals and then weighs the facts, which is an example of a true leader.

Board Member Takumi echoed comments by Board Member Hattori and emphasized the importance of the input from the complex area superintendents (CAS) including the comments provided by the survey. He expressed support that with more details all the hard work and leadership that Hayashi has provided to the Department will show.

Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse stated that the materials provide a good narrative and expressed appreciation for Hayashi giving credit to those in the Department for their work. He stated that he would like to provide meaningful feedback to celebrate the accomplishments of Hayashi that shape the Department. Committee Chairperson Lo shared that a challenge with the evaluation process and going forward is the need to have measurable items that can target what is moving forward. The permitted interaction group is working to develop metrics on the direction to get to for next year but there needs to be balance.

IV. Appointment of Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance

Committee Chairperson Lo called on Hayashi to provide the recommendation on the appointment of Elizabeth Higashi as the Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance.

Committee Chairperson Lo called for public testimony on agenda item IV.

Ken Hiraki, Executive Director of the Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation, testified in strong support of Higashi who is an invaluable asset to the Department.

P M Azinga, member of the public, testified that the Board needs to focus on financial literacy.

Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse expressed appreciation for the testimonies from colleagues and community members and expressed support of the recommendation.

Committee Chairperson Lo asked for clarification if this requires Board action. Hayashi replied that this has been discussed but it is the Board’s determination.

ACTION: Approve the appointment of assistant superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation, and Performance. (Barcarse/Chung). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

Higashi expressed appreciation and stated that she is honored for the opportunity to serve with great team leaders.

IV. Adjournment

Committee Chairperson Lo adjourned the meeting at 2:57 p.m.

List of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting

NAME	Organization	Agenda Item
Suk Han Cheung; Lori Chun		V. Appointment of Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance
Paula Adams	Hawaii Afterschool Alliance, Executive Director	V. Appointment of Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance
Ken Kakesako		V. Appointment of Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance
Susan Pcola-Davis		III. Superintendent’s self-assessment on performance based on professional standards and targeted goals for the 2023-2024 school year
Ken Hiraki	Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation, Executive Director	III. Superintendent’s self-assessment on performance based on professional standards and targeted goals for the 2023-2024 school year; V. Appointment of Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance
Meryl Matsumura	Waipahu High School, Assistant Principal	V. Appointment of Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance
Lisa Watkins-Victorino	Assessment and Accountability Branch, Director	V. Appointment of Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance
Gail Izumigawa	Waipahu High School, Teacher/Academy Executive Director	V. Appointment of Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance
Hilton Raethel	Healthcare Association of Hawaii, President & CEO	III. Superintendent’s self-assessment on performance based on professional standards and targeted goals for the 2023-2024 school year
Lisa Wilkinson		V. Appointment of Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance