STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

MINUTES

Thursday, March 4, 2021
*The Board did not meet at a physical location. As part of the response to the threat of COVID-19, Governor David Ige issued an Eighteenth Supplementary Proclamation dated February 12, 2021, suspending Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 92, Public Agency Meetings and Records, to the extent necessary to enable boards as defined in Section 92-2, to conduct meetings without any Committee Members or members of the public physically present in the same location, among other things.

PRESENT:
Catherine Payne, Chairperson
Kenneth Uemura, Vice Chairperson
Shanty Asher
Kaimana Barcarse
Margaret Cox
Lynn Fallin
Kili Namauʻu
Dwight Takeno
Bruce Voss
Hunter Harris, Student Representative
Captain Lyn Yatko, Military Representative

EXCUSED:
None

ALSO PRESENT:
Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent
Phyllis Unebasami, Deputy Superintendent
Heidi Armstrong, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Student Support Services
Randy Tanaka, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Facilities and Operations
Cynthia Covell, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Talent Management
Brian Hallett, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Fiscal Services
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Executive Secretary
Lady Garrett, Secretary


I. Call to Order

Board Chairperson Catherine Payne called the Board of Education (“Board”) General Business Meeting to order at 2:02 p.m.


II. Approval of Meeting Minutes of December 17, 2020 Special Meeting (Executive Session), December 17, 2020 General Business Meeting (Executive Session), January 14, 2021 Special Meeting and January 21, 2021 General Business Meeting

Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one provided oral testimony at this time.

Board Chairperson Payne asked Board members to review the minutes of the Board’s December 17, 2020 Special Meeting executive session, December 17, 2020 General Business Meeting executive session, January 14, 2021 Special Meeting, and January 21, 2021 General Business Meeting.

Board Member Lynn Fallin moved to approve the meeting minutes of the Board’s December 17, 2020 Special Meeting executive session, December 17, 2020 General Business Meeting executive session, January 14, 2021 Special Meeting, and January 21, 2021 General Business Meeting. Board Vice Chairperson Kenneth Uemura seconded.

Board Chairperson Payne asked if there were any objections to the motion. No Board Member raised objections, and the motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present (Board Vice Chairperson Uemura, Board Members Asher, Barcarse, Cox, Fallin, Namauʻu, Takeno, and Voss).

ACTION: Motion to approve the Special Meeting executive session minutes of December 17, 2020, the General Business Meeting executive session minutes of December 17, 2020, the Special Meeting minutes of January 14, 2021, and the General Business Meeting minutes of January 21, 2021 (Fallin/Uemura). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


III. Reports of Board Committees, Board Members, and Superintendent

Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony on this agenda item.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified that Board Member Cox asked how many of the 61 employees on the reduction in force list are special education Educational Assistants (“EA”) and the answer provided was that most of the EAs affected by the reduction in force are special education EAs. She asked why the Department wants to get rid of special education EAs and suggested that when the funding is restored that it be used for things lacking in the school budgets.

Board Member Dwight Takeno, Human Resource Committee Chairperson reported the committee took action on the Complex Area Superintendent (“CAS”) for Hana-Lahainaluna-Lanai-Molokai; however, due to limited time Dr. Rebecca Winkie was asked to attend this afternoon’s meeting to continue discussions. He also reported that the Committee discussed the annual reduction in force notification and recommended authorizing the Department to provide the notification with a passing vote of five ayes and two nays. He also stated that the committee recommended approval of the compensation adjustments for Unit 35. Board Member Takeno noted that the Committee also referred action on a new Superintendent contract to a meeting of the full Board to take place no later than March 18, 2021, with no less than eight Board members in attendance.


IV. Discussion Items

Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony on this agenda item.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified in opposition to the presentation on the reopening of schools. She noted a number of issues with the data and information in the Department’s presentation, asked how schools will reopen when there is not enough space in classrooms, and asked how parents and families will be able to provide input. She also stated that the annual statewide assessments will be administered soon and that testing deadlines can be extended.

Rebecca Hadley-Schlosser, member of the public, testified the raw data provided by the Department does not include data from public charter schools and is not inclusive of all schools in Hawaii, which may skew the data. She stated that there are still schools who may not open because they lack Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”) and the Department needs to ensure there is proper PPE in schools reopening for in-person learning.

Cheri Nakamura, HE‘E Coalition, testified a smooth reopening will be difficult for the system, the Department is not keeping a detailed inventory of the educational delivery models at schools, and that it is not clear if the Department is keeping track of what kind of hybrid learning is taking place. She stated that the goal is to get to full in-person learning and schools need to be provided with guidance.

Justin Hughey, teacher, testified against reopening schools and asked why the Department is spending $60 million on testing. He stated that numerous teachers have not been able to get their vaccine and the new variant is much more aggressive in children. He stated reopening schools does not feel safe and it is irresponsible to reopen now.

Lisa Morrison, teacher, testified that the reopening plan is an example of one-way communication. She asked the Board to do everything it can to help parents act in a manner appropriate to keep children safe.

Karly Kanehiro, teacher, testified it is unclear what the Department has done to ensure reopening schools to in-person learning is safe for all because not all teachers have been vaccinated. She asked whether parents have an option to keep students on distance learning if they do not feel safe and how the Department can leave it up to principals to make the decision and make a blanket statement that everyone must come back for in-person learning.

Deborah Bond-Upson, Parents for Public Schools of Hawaii, testified survey results gathered last spring show widely different responses on how parents receive communications from the Department and that they heard from schools, teachers, and principals that communication remains one of the key challenges. She noted that in order to reopen the Department needs to meet the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) standards to implement effective risk mitigation and that the Department can encourage each school to complete the CDC risk mitigation checklist.

Board Chairperson Payne noted that written testimonies have been publicly posted on the Board’s website. She called on Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent, to present the Department’s strategies for a safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for the fourth quarter of the 2020-2021 school year.

Kishimoto stated that the presentation is focused on to what extent the Department can use new guidance from the CDC and Hawaii State Department of Health (“DOH”) to increase in-person learning during Quarter 4 of the school year. She acknowledged that there will be a lot of sensitivity to any changes and that schools have gone from a normal school year to sudden closure and now reopening schools to in-person learning.

Kishimoto acknowledged that principals have done a great job every quarter looking at the next level of reopening schools by continuing to revisit: (1) staffing capacity; (2) facilities; (3) resources available; (4) school schedules; and, (5) reach out to parents to find out if parents perspectives have changed. She stated that significant new research and guidance has been provided and that during the current school year, schools have been returning students to school gradually for in-person instruction while adhering to DOH guidelines and implementing instructional models that best meet the needs of the most vulnerable students while addressing employee concerns. She explained that the Department plans to further increase in-person learning given the low community transmission rate with the goal of elementary schools transitioning to modified in-person learning.

Kishimoto reported that for Quarter 2, 12 percent of elementary school students received in-person instruction, 60 percent partially through hybrid learning, and 28 percent for full distance learning. She stated the Department plans to transition more middle and high school students to in-person learning with a focus on those students who struggle to access distance learning and those students in courses requiring specialized equipment or materials or strict supervision such as career and technical education courses.

Kishimoto noted that as reported for Quarter 2, 26 percent of middle school students received in-person instruction, 69 percent received hybrid instruction, and 5 percent received in-person instruction. She also noted that 2 percent of high school students received in-person instruction, with 76 percent receiving hybrid instruction and 22 percent were fully distance learning. She stated that the Department needs to mitigate learning loss and address education disparities and that returning students to campus will allow for better instruction and support students needs so they can progress academically. Kishimoto stated that families have worked really hard to support their children during distance learning and have become co-teachers. Kishimoto explained that as the schools transition to reopen to in-person learning, mitigation strategies that are implemented will increase compliance with health and safety guidelines on and off campus. She also stated that CDC noted in-person learning has numerous health and societal benefits, especially for children of low socioeconomic status. She stated that the Department continues to discuss how to bring more students back for in-person learning and maximize their time with teachers.

Kishimoto explained that the Department tracks the school re-opening metrics that were approved by the Board on October 15, 2020 and that the data is updated regularly and publicly available via the Department’s website. She stated that according to the current health and safety data metrics, 86 schools have at least 60 days of PPE and cleaning supplies as of January 31, 2021. She also stated that the Department has gloves to fill the current school shortages and is waiting for a three-month supply, which will be delivered within three weeks. Kishimoto reported that no school is completely out of any PPE items and in Quarter 2 there are approximately 12,000 students receiving full in-person instruction.

Kishimoto then detailed the metrics relating to academic performance for Quarter 2. Twenty-one percent of elementary school students received well below or not yet marks in English Language Arts (“ELA”), and 15 percent of elementary school students received well below marks for mathematics. She also stated that 26 percent of students receive instruction through full distance learning by parent choice, which is about 40,000 students.

Kishimoto detailed mitigation strategies from the CDC, U.S. Department of Education, and DOH and stated that the Department maintained conversations with DOH on efforts around COVID-19 and about the Department’s plans and specific strategies along with charter schools, private, and Catholic schools, which has proven to be an effective collaboration. She noted that physical distancing guidance has not changed, but there has been confirmation of the effectiveness of layering strategies, such as masking, hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, respiratory etiquette, cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities, adequate ventilation, and ensuring employees and students stay home if they are feeling sick.

Kishimoto detailed the mitigation of community spread and that in accordance with the February 2021 CDC report on COVID-19 transmission, spread can be limited with the strict implementation of layered mitigation strategies. She stated the Department has monitored community spread over the past 12 months and remains committed to continue monitoring so students can return to campus. She explained that decisions regarding in-person instruction are guided by information on school specific factors, the mitigation strategies implemented, local needs, the number of cases among students or staff, and experiences with leaders in the community. She noted that the Department is challenged with the adjustments needed to keep progressing, constantly changing information, and demands due to the nature of the pandemic. Kishimoto noted that community transmission is low and continues to decrease and that the Department can provide a safe and productive learning environment that families can send their children into to build proficiency.

Kishimoto provided a summary of the Department’s vaccination planning; this effort has been led by Phyllis Unebasami, Deputy Superintendent and Heidi Armstrong Assistant Superintendent, Office of Student Support Services (“OSSS”) with DOH. She explained that vaccinations are voluntary and the Department continues to work with providers to provide access to employees or service providers as frontline essential workers such as teachers, custodians, bus drivers, front office workers, administrators, cafeteria staff, security personnel, substitute teachers, and partner organizations that come onto campus. She reported that over 20,000 individuals expressed interest in accessing the vaccine, including neighbor islands.

Kishimoto stated that the Department will continue to advocate for the safe return of students to in-person learning during Quarter 4, that in-person instruction will allow the schools to better meet the socio-emotional needs of students and to address learning loss. She stated that the Department’s vision is to have all elementary school students return to campus daily. She stated that layered mitigation strategies will be emphasized on school campuses with administrators and service providers and that the Department will continue to collaborate with the Hawaii State Teachers Association, , Hawaii Government Employees Association, and United Public Workers as the plan is to welcome more students on campus.

Board Member Margaret Cox stated that students need to be back in school but to announce that the students will automatically be sent back is not going to make it so that students return to campus. However, she is still hearing schools will make the appropriate decisions with what works best within their complex. She asked how the Department will handle statewide assessments when assessments will be administered. Board Member Cox stated that distance learning will never go away. She stated that the Department should not want to continue having teachers do in-person learning and simultaneously continue planning for distance learning because it needs to separate who will do what at the school level. Board Member Cox noted that with 31,000 students reported as chronically absent and 97,900 students listed as vulnerable, it is clear that some things are not working. She stated that she does not think elementary schools will have 100 percent in-person instruction and that the Department needs a process to work with schools to make sure there is a plan in place before the end of the school year. Kishimoto replied that the Department will aim for the goal of 100 percent in-person instruction and will follow health and safety guidance protocols to bring more students on to campus.

Board Member Cox stated that parents need to be aware of what the choices are and how things will be functioning at the schools because some schools will not be able to open for in-person learning fully everyday. Board Member Cox noted that the Department should provide the Board with its plan to meet federal requirements to conduct statewide assessments. Kishimoto replied that the Department will provide schools with language so that they can explain the planning that is happening at the school level for the fourth quarter towards reopening and the different components, such as how food will be distributed, where food will be eaten, how to ensure there are sufficient teachers in the right grade levels, monitor parent perspective to adjust, incorporate and student voice. Kishimoto explained that a Board brief was provided to the Board outlining assessments, that she will provide that information again, and that the Department is extending the assessment window into the summer and that schools will be making those schedule decisions.

Board Member Bruce Voss stated that keeping the students off of campus is causing real harm for some students. He asked, without naming specific schools, what is the Department’s data regarding how much COVID-19 transmission is occurring in elementary schools with students on campus.

Unebasami stated that, to date the Department has asked DOH for transmission data relating to schools, which has been reported by DOH as none. Armstrong reported that due to the diligence of schools and mitigation strategies there have not been any transmission incidents at schools.

Board Member Voss stated that since private schools have reported having no transmissions and have been doing in-person for many months, he asked what lessons or strategies the Department is taking into consideration to implement for Quarter 4. Armstrong replied that schools have done their due diligence to keep classes in cohorts, strictly enforcing mask wearing mandates, implementing ventilation strategies, and emphasizing health and hygiene practices, and that the schools need to continue to be vigilant with those strategies even as cases drop.

Board Member Voss stated full reopening of Elementary schools will not occur on March 22, 2021 as each school has unique factors that need to be taken into account and expressed concern over the use of the term “goal” because to some parents this will sound like it will happen, but maybe it will not. He stated that maybe the term should be “it is the Department’s expectation” that all elementary school students will return to campus in the fourth quarter. Kishimoto replied he is correct because it is the Department’s expectation that every elementary school will present their model and the adjustments the school is making to maximize bringing more students on campus.

Board Member Fallin stated that part of the need as the Department moves forward on planning is for the Board to know progress has been made and who is responsible for the progress. She expressed appreciation for DOH’s school guidelines, issued on February 26, 2021, which states “complex areas in collaboration with the state are responsible for determining and making decisions for the transition between in-person, blended or virtual learning models” she asked if this is what the Department will be using. Kishimoto replied that the guidelines have been the construct used this year for decision-making and then leads the team of schools on decisions for shared understanding of the guidance and instruction.

Board Member Fallin stated that there are a lot of fear of spread in schools and within the Department’s model for mitigating community spread, so much responsibility is moving from the complex to the schools to make the determination of what model will be used. She stated that there are different learning model parameters and asked if the Department is using these parameters based on provided DOH guidelines. Unebasami replied the Department has been using the thresholds for discussion with the school community to make adjustments.

Board Member Fallin asked whether the Department made progress on ventilation and how principals and the Board will know progress has been made. She noted that vaccinations should also be tracked as a part of the Board’s metrics.

Randall Tanaka, Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Facilities and Operations stated that since January the Department has provided over 3,000 air purifiers to critical need classrooms, which were identified by school principals. He stated that another option is to get as much cross-ventilation as possible by opening doors and windows; however, some schools are in closed environments and the Department is working to address this issue.

Board Member Fallin asked if the Board can expect there to be ventilation improvements and asked for a response on tracking vaccinations. Unebasami replied every agency with frontline workers submitted a list of employees who will be providing essential services.

Board Member Fallin stated that the Board metric relating to social distancing is helpful because schools will need this guidance and she noted that the dashboard says that the Department had to delay reporting. She asked what challenges the Department is facing in getting this information, the reason for the delay, and the plan to address the challenges. it tracks the work the Department it is doing to address this issue. Tanaka replied that the Department does not have the social distancing information, but the practice has been to layer mitigation strategies of masking, social distancing, hand washing, and having people stay at home if they are sick. He stated that the process has been dynamic, that the CDC is less focused on distance and that masking is the most critical mitigation strategy.

Board Member Fallin clarified that she was asking about the status of Board Metric 2, Social Distance, for which the Department has not provided any data on and the dashboard currently states that the Department had to delay reporting on this metric, is in the process of validating its information, and that OFO will work with each school to validate its current school model with centralized analysis done by OFO staff and will report the data as soon as it is available. She stated that she assumed the information would be available to schools and some reporting will be done. Board Member Fallin emphasized that she just wants to be able to support the schools because so much responsibility is being placed on them to reopen schools to more in-person learning. Tanaka stated that he will go back and complete guidance at the school level. Unebasami stated that originally the Department looked at square footage and a formula, but as they worked with principals, they realized that spaces in schools had been turned into COVID-19 isolation spaces and that the assessment needed to be more personalized. Tanaka stated that classrooms have a square footage footprint, but things like furniture reduce the available footprint. Board Member Fallin stated that she would appreciate being updated as work on this moves forward and how the Department engages schools and parents on this is important.

Board Student Representative Hunter Harris stated that students feel disconnected and stressed and that everyone needs to work together to make sure students can return to in-person learning safely and effectively.

Board Chairperson Payne asked if the Department is collecting data on the number of parents who do not want to send their children back to in-person learning. Kishimoto replied that there is no centralized collection of data, but schools are reporting to CASs what parents are expressing on shifting learning models based on survey and input.

Board Member Voss asked about student athletics and why sports that are inherently distanced (like tennis and cross-country running) are these sports not being allowed. Kishimoto stated that the Department issued a memorandum to principals this week allow for weight rooms to opening, for students to engage in conditioning, and for the use of fields. She stated that she has worked with the mayors on student access to county spaces that are next door to schools and that students have access to these spaces for athletic activities. Board Member Voss encouraged schools to communicate with parents to clarify that these opportunities are available.

Board Member Cox emphasized that competitive athletics requires students to maintain a 2.0 GPA and expressed concern for the well-being of students, but that she does not want the Department to prioritize athletics over academics.

Board Student Representative Hunter Harris stated that, speaking as a student athlete, athletics encourage students to develop great personality traits and life skills and is something to look at as the Department moves forward in opening schools to more in-person learning.

Board Member Kili Namauʻu expressed concern for students that are vulnerable and need additional accommodations. She detailed the challenges on Maui with spiking case numbers and low vaccination rates. Board Member Namauʻu stated that six feet of social distancing is important to some people, even if the Department is not prioritizing it. She also stated that families should be able to keep their children in full distance learning if they want to, but it is not clear how schools can accommodate this while moving to in-person learning. Board Member Namauʻu wanted to make it clear that it is not easy for schools to move to in-person learning and that she hope that principals will get the guidance they need to overcome obstacles.

Board Chairperson Payne noted that there were a number of things discussed that Board Members have requested more information on. V. Action Items

Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one provided oral testimony at this time.

Human Resources Committee Chairperson Dwight Takeno stated that the committee referred the appointment of the complex area superintendent for the Hana-Lahainaluna-Lanai-Molokai Complex Area to the general board meeting for further discussion and action.

Board Member Takeno moved to approve the appointment of Rebecca Winkie as the complex area superintendent for the Hana-Lahainaluna-Lanai-Molokai Complex Area, effective July 1, 2021. Board Member Cox seconded.

Board Member Takeno asked Winkie for examples of areas where she was able to make a positive difference for children and families and effectively advocate for equity . He also asked her to share details about how she met and collaborated with schools and the community.

Winkie shared that she advocated for students to have equitable access to standard-based instruction for each grade level to focus on student abilities to close gaps. She stated that at Princess Nahienaena Elementary School she collaborated with teachers to establish a guiding coalition to look at how to provide school-wide response to intervention (“RTI”) processes. Winkie noted that because of this RTI process, the school was able to clearly articulate student needs and show there was a plan to move forward and improve scores. She stated that another recent example of making a positive difference was leading school staff through a very emotional time and reopening the school for students in a blended learning environment at the beginning of the second semester. She shared that her guiding question is what is best for students and expressed the importance of having students on campus for learning.

Winkie stated that she has worked with an organization in Lahaina to work with students afterschool on math and ELA. The organization shut down due to COVID-19, but she continues to work together on proposals to fund activities for students. She stated that she has an open relationship with community members and that they are always there to help when the students need something..

Board Member Namauʻu about the process to hire CAS and whether the interview of the initial candidates are conducted by video conferencing or in-person interviews. She stated the Department should consider in-person interviews so that applicants can showcase their abilities and share innovative ideas. Covell stated that part of the application is a Spark Hire interview, which is a video recording of responses to interview questions. Board Member Namauʻu stated that CAS positions are extremely important so the Department should conduct in-person interviews and not rely on video because it is important to meet with people. She stated that while she believes that Winkie is a good candidate, she thinks the process could have been better.

Board Member Voss asked Winkie what her biggest concern is for the upcoming school year. Winkie stated that this complex area includes a diverse set of schools with a variety of challenges. Winkie stated that every school is different and the principals know the community and parents better than anyone.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura asked about Attachment 3 of the report on the complex area relating to math and ELA proficiency because he could not tell whether student proficiency was increasing or decreasing because the report appears to be color-coded, but it is unclear. Winkie replied that the scores are from the 2018-2019 school year, so she is not sure if academic proficiency has changed recently, but she knows that schools have not shown an improvement in scores yet. She stated that when the Western Association of Schools and Colleges did its accreditation visit, her school had a solid plan, but there were no test scores from last spring and COVID-19 has set everything back. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura asked what the trend looked like. Winkie replied that the trend line was moving in a negative direction when she arrived at the school because the school was using math curriculum from 3-4 different programs and staff was not working together. She explained that she made changes and students were showing gains on universal screeners, but that the students impacted have not yet reached third grade, when they would first be tested by statewide assessments. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura stated his understanding is that she is telling him that the changes she made means things are trending in the right direction.

Board Chairperson Payne called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Vice Chairperson Uemura, Board Members Asher, Barcarse, Cox, Fallin, Namauʻu, Takeno, and Voss).

ACTION: Motion to approve the appointment of Rebecca Winkie as the complex area superintendent for the Hana-Lahainaluna-Lanai-Molokai Complex Area, effective July 1, 2021 (Takeno/Cox). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony on this agenda item.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified she received a voicemail from Highlands Intermediate School regarding reopening for in-person instruction. She also stated that the Board should know what positions will be affected by the RIF before approving it.

Human Resources Committee Chairperson Takeno stated that the committee recommends the Board authorize the Department to commence a reduction in force for classified employees whose positions will not be funded in the 2021-2022 school year due to lack of work, need, or funds, as described in Kishimoto’s memorandum dated March 4, 2021.

Board Member Cox stated that she is not satisfied and the Department should have provided the Board more information and that deferring Board action to the next meeting would not adversely affect the Department. She noted she will be voting no on the commencement of the reduction in force.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura stated he will vote no for the same reasons as Board Member Cox. He stated that the Department did not provide the Board with enough information and that he does not see a reason why the action cannot be delayed.

Board Chairperson Payne called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried with Board Chairperson Payne and Board Members Barcarse, Fallin, Namauʻu, and Voss voting aye and Board Vice Chairperson Uemura and Board Members Asher, Cox, and Takeno voting nay.

ACTION: Motion to authorize the Department to commence a reduction in force for classified employees whose positions will not be funded in the 2021-2022 school year due to lack of work, need, or funds, as described in Kishimoto’s memorandum dated March 4, 2021 (Human Resources Committee/no second required). The motion carried with five Board members voting aye and four Board members voting nay.


Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one provided oral testimony at this time.

Human Resources Committee Chairperson Takeno stated that the committee recommends approving the salary updates, compensation adjustments, and tentative agreements for Excluded Managerial Compensation Plan employees excluded from Bargaining Unit 13 and coded as Bargaining Unit 35, as described in Kishimoto’s memorandum, dated March 4, 2021, with a retroactive effective date of July 1, 2019.

Board Chairperson Payne called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Vice Chairperson Uemura, Board Members Asher, Barcarse, Cox, Fallin, Namauʻu, Takeno, and Voss).

ACTION: Motion to approve the salary updates, compensation adjustments, and tentative agreements for Excluded Managerial Compensation Plan employees excluded from Bargaining Unit 13 and coded as Bargaining Unit 35, as described in Kishimoto’s memorandum, dated March 4, 2021, with a retroactive effective date of July 1, 2019 (Human Resources Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony on this agenda item.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on Senate Bill 76, Senate Draft 2, which requires the Board to consider candidates with minimum qualifications of ten years employment with the Department for the superintendent’s position. She stated that the request for those qualifications are reasonable and the bill has crossed over to the House.

Linda Elento, member of the public, testified regarding support for early learning opportunities for children with disabilities.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that several issues have emerged since last month and that the Board should consider policy positions as reflected in the memorandum. She stated that the Board supported proposed legislation that expands access to early learning opportunities for more children and detailed that there is proposed legislation on minimum qualifications for the superintendent, which the Board opposed because it would restrict the Board’s authority to hire and effectively manage and oversee the superintendent.

Board Chairperson Payne detailed that there is proposed legislation which would require departments to train boards, including any board or commissions attached board, such as the Hawaii Teachers Standards Board and Hawaii Public Charter School Commission, which has raised some concerns. She detailed proposed legislation that would change collective bargaining employer votes and recommend support for the Board’s position, which is that “the Board supports proposed legislation that ensures the Board as a critical party in labor negotiations with the exclusive representatives of Bargaining Unit 5 and Bargaining Unit 6.”

Board Member Fallin moved to amend the Board’s policy positions for the 2021 Legislative Session as proposed in Exhibit A of Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson Catherine Payne’s memorandum dated March 4, 2021 with a change to the proposed policy position for early learning to read, “The Board supports proposed legislation that expands access to quality early learning opportunities for more children” (new language underlined). Board Member Barcarse seconded.

Board Member Fallin stated that the understands the complicated early learning governance structure and sensitivity to the language that is used, but that it is important to emphasize quality learning opportunities.

Board Chairperson Payne called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Vice Chairperson Uemura, Board Members Asher, Barcarse, Cox, Fallin, Namauʻu, Takeno, and Voss).

ACTION: Motion to amend the Board’s policy positions for the 2021 Legislative Session as proposed in Exhibit A of Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson Catherine Payne’s memorandum dated March 4, 2021 with a change to the proposed policy position for early learning to read, “The Board supports proposed legislation that expands access to quality early learning opportunities for more children” (new language underlined) (Fallin/Barcarse). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony on this agenda item.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified that she would like to propose Board Member Takeno or Board Vice Chairperson Uemura play a role on the Committee on Weights (“COW”).

Board Chairperson Payne called on Kishimoto to provide the Department’s recommendation on the composition of the Committee on Weights XII.

Kishimoto stated that the Committee on Weights will propose and inform the Department on the weighted student formula for the 2022-2023 school year based on Hawaii Revised Statutes and the committee will be composed of principals, teachers, and other members of the appropriate professional qualifications to conduct the work. She explained that the COW will submit its recommendations to the Board in August or September of the 2021-2022 school year.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura stated he would like to ensure that the Department is getting the proper representation on the COW since last time the committee was convened, the Board had robust discussions and numerous concerns regarding more representation for neighbor island and rural schools. He noted that there was an increase from 18 members to 21 members on the COW. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura asked which neighbor islands are represented and stated that there should be a representative from each neighbor island. He emphasized that the Department should move away from having COW members hold dual roles in categories for example a neighbor island principal also counting as a rural school representative. Hallett replied that the Department strives to get a good cross section of representation, that the committee has always had at least two members from each county on the COW, and that this would be the minimum expectation going forward.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura asked if the COW can report its recommendations to the Board earlier, in August instead of September, to allow the Board time to review the committee’s recommendations. Hallett replied that the Department is targeting August to complete its work because it would be helpful to get the work done by August and use September as a fallback date. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura encouraged Hallett to review comments and concerns previously raised by Board members and to address them and stated that the committee issuing its recommendations sooner will help the Board in its review..

Board Member Cox stated that while serving on the elected Board, Board members sat as as non-voting members on the COW and provided updates to the Board.

Board Member Fallin asked have there been significant shifts in allocations to certain schools based on the weighted student formula. Hallett replied for the past two cycles that there have been very little variance.

Board Member Fallin asked if the COW’s recommendations are used for restructuring the Department’s EDN 100 or school level budget. Hallett replied that the weighted student formula distributes about 95 percent of the Department’s funding. The COW reviews all programs and EDNs and determines if there is a better way to distribute through the weighted student formula or categorical funding.

Board Member Fallin asked whether the August deadline for the submittal of COW recommendations to the Board impacts Budget and Finance decision-making. Hallett that replied it is always a challenge to use base budget appropriations for purposes of making allocations and this year demonstrates the need for predictable and reliable funding. Board Member Fallin stated that she would like to ensure that the timing of the Board’s review of the committee’s recommendations fulfills the Board’s oversight responsibility and supports the Department.

Board Member Namau‘u asked how Hawaiian immersion programs are represented in the process and pointed out that including Hawaiian immersion is an equity issue. Hallett replied that including more Hawaiian language immersion representation is a fair request and that the last COW recommended more representation in this area. Kishimoto stated that Kaui Sang, Director, Office of Hawaiian Education and her team was present at some of the COW discussions and some schools represented had Hawaiian immersion programs. She stated that they can look at the COW members selected to get more direct representation of the program.

Board Member Voss asked if the deadline to complete the COW’s recommendation by August is realistic. He emphasized that he wants the committee to have enough time to provide the kind of analysis the Board is requesting without being rushed. Hallett replied August is when the Department will target completion of the COW’s recommendations.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura moved to approve the proposed composition of the Committee on Weights XII as outlined in Attachment B of Kishimoto’s memorandum dated March 4, 2021, with an addition of a member to represent Hawaiian immersion education. Board Member Barcarse seconded.

Board Chairperson Payne called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Vice Chairperson Uemura, Board Members Asher, Barcarse, Cox, Fallin, Namauʻu, Takeno, and Voss).

ACTION: Motion to approve on the proposed composition of the Committee on Weights XII as outlined in Attachment B of Kishimoto’s memorandum dated March 4, 2021, with an addition of a member to represent Hawaiian immersion education (Uemura/Barcarse). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


VI. Late Public Testimony on Board Agenda Items

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

Julie Reyes Oda, Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, testified on committee action on recommendation concerning the new Superintendent employment contract. She asked that the committee recommend to the full Board that Kishimoto’s contract to not be renewed; although the vote was deferred she noted it is unfair to blame Kishimoto for everything.

Deborah Anderson, Waiakea Intermediate School, testified that the long term effects of COVIE-19 are unclear and the Department should be promoting safety first.

Board 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
Joan Gallagher V.C. Board Action on Human Resources Committee recommendation concerning compensation adjustments for Department of Education employees excluded from Bargaining Unit 13: Unit 35 (excluded managerial)
Heather Moselle IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Donna Johnson IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Lauren Stuart IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Lacy Rueschenberg IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Rosemarie Jauch IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Robert Bond IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Raelene Baloson IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Julia Dalhgren IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Joshua Margolin IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Yolanda Margolin IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Drew Blazier IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Rose Guillermo IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Cheryl Kuroiwa IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Rebecca Chang IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Val Tina Oishi IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Ashley Payne IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Irene Gassaway IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Tiyana Fryar IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Angela Huntemer-Sidrane IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
William Castillo IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Chantel Patigayon IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Laura Valera IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Thomas Bearden IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Alan Kim IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Honokowai Pokemon IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Susan Pcola-Davis IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year & V.D. Board Action on Board policy positions for the 2021 Legislative Session: early learning, superintendent minimum qualifications, board member orientation and training, and collective bargaining employer votes, V.E. Board action on composition of Committee on Weights XII, III.A. Human Resource Committee Report
Rosalie De Aquino IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Kelly Duell IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Mr. Hughey IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Owen Chan IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Stephen Switzer IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Marni Cantrell IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Christina Israelson IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Jenny Nishida IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Shannon Ankney IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
J808 Town IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Debbie Erskine IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
David MiyashiroHawaiiKidsCANIV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Kevin McGinnis IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Lily Larsen IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Cheri Nakamura IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
P. Soares IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Melanie McDougall IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Sienna Makarewicz IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Susan Pcola-Davis IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Katy Ayson IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Jonathon Medeiros IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Suzanne Lee IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Elise Johnson IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Samantha Gomes IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Nicole Suzuki IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Jonthan Kaaihue IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Dan KouchiUPWV.B. Board Action on Human Resources Committee recommendation concerning declaration of annual reduction in force ("RIF") for classified employees to initiate collectively bargained placement rights for employees displaced due to changes in staffing needs
Jennifer Luke Payne IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Corinne Carson IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Jason Bona IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Kehaulani Kupihea IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
C. Burghardt IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Paula AdamsHawaii Afterschool AllianceIV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Salena Lee IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Lynn Otaguro IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Karly Kaneshiro IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Ebony Williams IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Tanelle Agamao-Gainey IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Nicole Folk IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Devin C IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Debbie Anderson V.D. Board Action on Board policy positions for the 2021 Legislative Session: early learning, superintendent minimum qualifications, board member orientation and training, and collective bargaining employer votes
Rebecca Hadley-Schlosser IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Melissa Walsh IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Angie Baldwin IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Shayne Greenland IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Garrett Rawlins IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
James Smith IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year
Maria Shanahan IV.A. Presentation on Department of Education strategies for safe reopening of elementary and secondary schools to more in-person learning for fourth quarter of 2020-2021 School Year

VII. Adjournment

Board Chairperson Payne adjourned the meeting at 5:32 p.m.