FINAL

The Board of Education (“Board”) General Business Meeting was called to order by Board Chairperson Lance Mizumoto at 1:32 p.m.

Chairperson Mizumoto called for public testimony. The following people provided oral testimony.

Name	Organization	Agenda Item	Position
Andrea Eshelman	Hawaii State Teachers Association	DDL/LPI	Comment
Karen Umeda	National Science Teachers Association	VII. B. Next Generation Science Standards	Support
Vanessa Ott	Public	VIII. Briefing on alleged restraint of special education student	Comment
Corey Rosenlee	Hawaii State Teachers Association	Schools Our Keiki Deserve Legislation	Comment
Amy Agbayani	Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights	VII. C. Policy 105.14	Support
Brook Chapman de Sousa	University of Hawaii at Manoa	VII. C. Policy 105.14	Support

Written testimony was also received and provided to the Board members. The following is a listing of the people that submitted written testimony before the testimony deadline.

Name	Organization	Agenda Item	Position
Caryl Hitchcock	University of Hawaii at Manoa	VII. C. Policy 105.14	Support
Donald Young	University of Hawaii at Manoa	VII. B. Next Generation Science Standards & VII. C. Policy 105.14	Support
Dr. Brook Chapman	University of Hawaii at Manoa	VII. C. Policy 105.14	Support
Katherine Ratliffe	University of Hawaii at Manoa	VII. C. Policy 105.14	Support
Marcela Montalto	Public	VII. C. Policy 105.14	Support
Donna Grace	University of Hawaii at Manoa	VII. C. Policy 105.14	Support
Dr. William Wilson	Ka Haka 'Ula O Ke'elikolani	VII. C. Policy 105.14	Support
Benjamin Bess	The Bess Press	VII. C. Policy 105.14	Support

Andrea Eshelman, Member, Hawaii State Teachers Association (“HSTA”), testified on Department Directed Leave and Leave Pending Investigation and expressed concerned about the number of employee investigations and duration of time to close cases. Eshelman stated that last year, the Department of Education (“Department”) worked to reduce the duration and number of investigations, but it is not uncommon for an employee to be on leave for six or more months. This impacts employees’ lives, and students are being deprived of qualified teachers. Teachers deserve a timely process, and it should not take months for the report and interview processes. Lastly, Eshelman stated that decision-makers need to make it a priority to meet with employees after reports are issued. Innocent employees should be cleared as soon as possible or punished in a timely manner, if appropriate.




Board Member Amy Asselbaye arrived at 1:37 p.m.




Karen Umeda, National Science Teachers Association, testified in support of the Next Generation Science Standards. Umeda stated that the standards support good science teachers and agreed that there is relevance in engaging engineering. Umeda stated her testimony is supported by administrators and that principals agree the standards will help students to be college and career ready.




Vanessa Ott testified on the restraint of students. Ott stated that there are times where it is appropriate to restrain a student. When students are in elementary school, they do not always understand the severity of their actions. Ott stated that not being able to touch a student can sometimes be to the detriment of the student.

Corey Rosenlee, President, HSTA, testified on proposed legislation and a legislative proposal called Schools Our Keiki Deserve. The HSTA wants the Board to support this legislation. Rosenlee stated that the education system in Hawaii has issues because it is underfunded and provided statistics on per-pupil spending and teacher pay when adjusted for cost of living. He also described other challenges facing Hawaii’s educational system, which will persist unless more funding is provided.

Board Member Jim Williams asked for the bill numbers of the legislative measures on which HSTA is asking for support from the Board, which Rosenlee provided.

Board Member Donald Horner asked if the figures in Rosenlee’s testimony were adjusted according to the cost of living. Rosenlee responded that the cost of living had been considered, and that he would send the statistics to the Board Members.

Board Vice Chairperson Brian De Lima stated that the process for complying with Sunshine Law handcuffs the Board’s ability to address legislation expeditiously, but he would like to see the statistics provided. When the Department submitted its supplemental budget request, it made similar comparisons with other school districts across the nation, but the State of Hawaii pays for all of the fringe benefits of its school district employees and he inquired whether fringe benefits were included in the statistics provided. Rosenlee confirmed that fringe benefit costs were included as well.

Board Member Horner appreciated the discussion and stated that the Board and HSTA should be on the same page.

Amy Agbayani, Chair, Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights, testified on behalf of her organization in support of Board Policy 105.14. Agbayani stated that the policy will encourage multilingual confidence and thanked the Board for its efforts through a two-year process that was inclusive and professional.

Brooke Chapman De Souza, Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Manoa, testified in support of Board Policy 105.14. Chapman De Souza stated that the policy will help provide systematic performance for multilingual learners.

ACTION: Motion to approve the General Business Meeting minutes of December 1, 2015 (De Lima/Horner). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

A. Human Resource Committee Report on: (1) Update on Department of Education investigations (Department Directed Leave (“DDL”) and Leave Pending Investigation (“LPI”)): details regarding decision-making status of pending cases; (2) Briefing on classes of work with greatest number of vacancies and strategies and incentives to address vacancies

Human Resource Committee Chairperson De Lima reported that the Committee received an update on Department Directed Leave and Leave Pending Investigation cases and continues to monitor timelines. The Committee was briefed on classes with the greatest number of vacancies and strategies to reduce them.

B. Finance and Infrastructure Committee Report on: (1) Update on Department of Education fiscal reports as of December 31, 2015 (comparison to budget, school food service, student transportation, utilities, Impact Aid receipts, and CIP); (2) Update on the Department of Education’s heat abatement program: progress since January 19, 2016, update of filings with the Public Utilities Commission, and update on Executive Branch’s plan to use Green Energy Marketing Securitization (“GEMS”) to cool 1,000 classrooms by the end of 2016; (3) Update on the Department of Education’s fiscal empowerment workgroup; (4) Update on the Department of Education’s operating budget restriction for Fiscal Year 2015-2016; (5) Update on status of, process, and timeline for Committee review of Board policies presently assigned to the Committee; (6) Committee Action on the following Board policies: 500.1 Organization of the Department and 500.2 Plan of Organization, (7) Committee Action on legislation relating to Department of Education energy efficiencies, renewable energy, wheeling, net energy metering, and green infrastructure loan program and other funding sources, including consideration of the following legislation: SB 2604 Relating to a Micro grid Pilot Project for Schools, SB 2536 Relating to Wheeling for Educational Institutions, SB 2605 Relating to Net Energy Metering for Schools, SB 3126/HB 2726 Relating to Public Schools, HB 2569 Relating to Energy

Committee Vice Chairperson De Lima gave the report on behalf of Finance and Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Grant Chun. The Committee received an update on fiscal reports and had healthy discussion on various budget items. The Committee was given a briefing on the Governor’s plan to provide energy for schools and cool 1,000 classrooms, as well as fiscal empowerment and budget restriction updates. There was an update on the status of policies and deferred action. Committee Vice Chairperson De Lima stated that the Committee would recommend support on various items throughout the agenda.

C. Superintendent’s Report on: (1) Update on 2016 Legislative Session; and (2) Update of 2011-2018 Joint Department of Education and Board Strategic Plan

Kathryn Matayoshi, Superintendent, provided a list of bills the Department testified on and their current status. Matayoshi explained that there are three bills relating to teacher travel that are still alive and the appropriation to fund teacher travel is still moving. HSTA’s bills were introduced, and there were a number of home school bills, health bills, licensing bills, and a bill to make athletic facilities available to charter schools. Matayoshi also mentioned a bill regarding energy appropriation for energy conservation and financing. The Department continues to work with community partners for funding of the Strategic Plan and will make a presentation to the Board on March 1, 2016.

D. Student Representative’s Report on: (1) December 18, 2015 Executive Committee and Focus Group Lead Meeting; (2) Hawaii State Student Council meeting on January 16, 2016; (3) secondary student conference; (4) Student Leadership Conference; and (5) John A. Burns School of Medicine’s pre-health career corps

Student Representative Brennan Lee stated that the Hawaii State Student Council’s Executive Committee and focus group met on December 18, 2015 to prepare for the January Board meeting. At the Student Achievement Committee meeting, students decided they wanted to take a free SAT in addition to the free ACT. Meeting with counselors and Tammi Chun helped the students to realize that there may be scheduling conflicts. The focus group decided to work towards helping students sign up for Kahn Academy. Student Representative Lee promoted the Teachers of America club for young people interested in being teachers. Lee stated that the Hawaii State Student Council met and discussed heat abatement. Competency-based education was discussed and appreciated by students. Student Representative Lee spoke about an upcoming student leadership conference with the theme “Colors of Leadership.” Student Representative Lee thanked Board Chairperson Mizumoto for attending and wanting to empower students to speak their minds. Lastly, Student Representative Lee spoke on the John A. Burns School of Medicine. Lee stated that he would like to bring the program to Hawaii to encourage students and connect with others that have same similar passions.

Board Member Asselbaye thanked Student Representative Lee for the update and was curious about statements that students wanted to take more standardized testing. Schools tend to shy away from testing, but students want good scores on the SAT for college placement. Student Representative Lee stated that, in the beginning, students were looking at more testing for a better chance to get into college, but students learned that there are a lot of tests and options for high school juniors and there should be a balance.

A. Briefing on legislation relating to charter schools

Tom Hutton, Executive Director, Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission (“Commission”), reported that the Commission handles legislative advocacy by adopting broad principals and each year adopting more specific legislative positions. This year’s positions are related to funding and facilities and charter schools in general. Hutton stated that last year the Legislature adopted a bill that considered giving obligation bond authority of general funds to the Commission. Hutton discussed legislative proposals related to bonuses for teachers in hard-to-fill areas, House Bill (“HB”) 2524 and SB 2781. Hutton stated the problem with the funding system is that allocating bonus money per-pupil spending does not align with getting the funds to the schools in hard-to-fill areas. Hutton discussed start-up grant bills, HB 2453 and SB 2797, will provide funding to schools with priority needs. Hutton also discussed HB 2205 and SB 2780 which are “clean–up” bills and propose the Commission be the ultimate decider for applications, more specific minutes to see what is going on in schools, procedural rules for authorizers, replicate the ability for charter schools to charge fees similar to the Department, and allow conversion schools to apply enrollment preferences. HB 2352 and SB 2881 address worker compensation funding. SB 3104 guts quality safeguards for the Board’s approval of new authorizers. The Commission is supporting HB 1744 addressing athletic facilities, although there is a dispute on Hawaii Island. There are several bills regarding the early learning initiative. Hutton stated that many bills refer to public school when they should be related to charter schools as well, so charter schools testify on bills to remind Legislature that they exist.

Board Chairperson Mizumoto thanked Hutton for his service to the Commission and acknowledged that it had been a challenging road. Hutton thanked the Board and Superintendent.
B. Briefing on legislation relating to public libraries
Stacy Aldrich, State Librarian, mentioned to Student Representative Lee that students can take preparation exams online with a library card. Aldrich reported the Hawaii State Public Library System would support the library salary cap bill, as well as bills addressing homelessness, technology, the Office of Human Resources, and programs relating to education and reading.

Board Member Hubert Minn asked Aldrich how things were going. Aldrich replied that things are going well. Aldrich has visited 46 branches to meet with staff and understand issues to help address things that are important to the staff and public.

Board Member Jim Williams left the room at 2:33 p.m.
C. Community Stakeholder Presentation: Kamehameha Schools (Kamehameha Schools’ Strategic Vision and Plan and current work within the community, Department of Education Schools, and charter schools)

Jack Wong, Chief Executive Officer, Kamehameha Schools, stated that he felt privileged to be at the meeting and had been in his role at Kamehameha Schools for a year. The organization is committed to serving every native Hawaiian as well as working with the Board for successful learners.

Waialeale Sarsona, Managing Director of Community Engagement, Kamehameha Schools, shared that Kamehameha Schools is a steward of land and financial investments of $10 billion. The campuses serve 7,000 students, with the largest preschool in the state. Kamehameha Schools offers after school and summer programs and college scholarships for students. The organization also supports 17 charter schools, including $40 million to extend services to communities they cannot reach or serve. The organizational vision is that students will achieve postsecondary success within 25 years and will be leaders to contribute to the community.

Board Member Jim Williams returned at 2:33 p.m.

Kamehameha Schools has five goals:
1. Build a Native Hawaiian schools network by bringing together schools that focus on Native Hawaiian learners;
2. Improve the statewide education system through partnerships;
3. Strengthen the Native Hawaiian identity by committing to Olelo Hawaii;
4. Maintain a high performing organization; and
5. Manage resources and investments.

Sarsona shared a graph with measures of success for the organization. Kamehameha Schools wants children to reach the highest standards for education as well as values and identity. Wong stated that one of the challenges was focusing resources to one single strategy and set of metrics.

Board Member Williams asked how charter schools would qualify for financial support. Sarsona replied that the organization visits schools and analyzes reports with data to monitor funding recipients, and recipients will go into corrective support if standards are not being met. Schools must meet state requirements.

Board Member Asselbaye thanked the presenters and directed attention to the educational pathway slide. Board Member Asselbaye asked for the “engaged in local and global servant leadership” data, and the baseline of measurement in terms of outcome. Sarsona replied that the section is blank because it was a new area of measure for the organization, and Kamehameha Schools is still working on tools for measurement.

Board Member Patricia Halagao referred to the same slide and asked, when comparing outcomes for Kamehameha Schools and other students, if the data represented public and charter schools. Sarsona clarified that the data represented both public and charter schools, although she did not have separate data with her but could provide it for the Board. Board Member Halagao stated that she would like to see the data.

Board Member Horner thanked Kamehameha Schools and appreciated the openness and focus on leadership.

Board Chairperson Mizumoto asked for insight on the organizations goals for partnerships. Wong replied that their two goals for partnerships are focusing on the outcomes they are trying to achieve and learning how to work together in partnerships. Wong stated that an action plan is just as important as the strategic plan. They looked at where they envisioned Kamehameha Schools in 25 years and then backwards mapped from there. Sarsona added that the organization had a 25 year vision with a five year plan. The plans were facilitated through community feedback and many meetings.
D. Presentation on the Office of Hawaiian Education: update on implementation planning for Board Policy E-3 Na Hopena A’o, 105.7 Hawaiian Education (formerly Board Policy 2104), and 105.8 Ka Papahana Kaiapuni (formerly Board Policy 2015)

Superintendent Matayoshi thanked Dawn Kaui Sang, Director, Office of Hawaiian Education (“OHE”), for her work and stated that there was cohesiveness from activeness in the community moving forward with Na Hopena A‘o beliefs. Matayoshi supported and believed in it.

Sang stated that the implementation plans for Board Policies 105.7 and 105.8 took an extended amount of time because of the need for community input. Sang thanked Kamehameha Schools for helping to include the community. The goal of the policies is to make sure that Hawaiian education is provided to all students in K-12 public education. Board Policy E-3 is designed to help students, as well as teachers to engage with school communities to strengthen their sense of “ha.” OHE was awarded a successful education grant. Sang stated that the OHE looks forward to working with the Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Support and developing standards for Board Policy 105.7. Board Policy 105.8 has a set direction for education in Hawaiian language context. Sang stated that it is important to extend culture across the entire school system. Sang presented the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ delivery plan for implementation, showing an alignment with the Board’s Strategic Plan. Next steps are to convene standards development meetings, track activities in relation to priorities, and communicate updates throughout the field using the Department’s website. OHE will prepare a budget request to present to the Board and is always open for participation.

Chairperson Mizumoto called for public testimony.

Dina Yoshime, Hawaiian Language Road Map initiative, testified in support of Board Policy 105.14. The Board has demonstrated appreciation for knowledge of more than one language and multicultural students have increase capacity for engaging in society. Yoshime stated that a monolingual classroom does not make language go away, and bilingual students bring language with them. The policy allows for validation of multiple cultures and promotes thoughtful incorporation of students’ language and culture.

A. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendation concerning Board Policy 301.3, Use of School Building, Facilities, and Grounds and Board Policy 304.1, A Komo Mai

Finance and Infrastructure Committee Vice Chairperson De Lima presented on this agenda item.

ACTION: Motion to adopt Board Policy 301.3, Use of School Building, Facilities, and Grounds, as proposed in the memorandum dated February 16, 2016 (Finance and Infrastructure/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

ACTION: Motion to adopt Board Policy 304.1, E Komo Mai, as proposed in the memorandum dated February 16, 2016 (Finance and Infrastructure Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

B. Board Action on Student Achievement Committee recommendation concerning the adoption of Next Generation Science Standards (“NGSS”)

Board Member Williams noted the importance of the Next Generation Science Standards and stated that it is a big step forward with a general consensus of support. He looks forward to implementation.

ACTION: Motion to adopt the Next Generation Science Standards and require the Department of Education to present to the Board for approval a plan beginning in school year 2016-2017 that fully implements the standards within four years (Student Achievement Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

C. Board Action on Student Achievement Committee recommendations concerning new Board Policy 105.14, Language in Education (ELL/Bilingual) (proposed new name: Multilingualism for Equitable Education)

Board Member Williams recognized Student Achievement Committee Chairperson Halagao for two years of hard work on the policy.

ACTION: Motion to adopt new Board Policy 105.14, Multilingualism for Equitable Education, as stated in the memorandum dated February 16, 2016 (Student Achievement Committee/no second required). The Motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

D. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendation concerning legislation relating to Department of Education energy efficiencies, renewable energy, wheeling, net energy metering, and green infrastructure loan program and other funding sources, including consideration of the following legislation:

Senate Bill (“SB”) 2604	RELATING TO A MICROGRID PILOT PROJECT FOR SCHOOLS. Requires the department of education to establish an off-grid micro grid pilot project through the Ka Hei program at a school of its choosing.
SB 2536	RELATING TO WHEELING FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. Authorizes state educational institutions to utilize wheeling to transmit renewable energy generated electricity to themselves at other locations, and requires the public utilities commission and electric utilities to adopt rules and tariffs consistent with the wheeling mandate.
SB 2605	RELATING TO NET ENERGY METERING FOR SCHOOLS. Clarifies the requirements for the department of education to qualify for net energy metering. Prohibits the PUC from amending the rate structure or excess electricity credits and credit carry over terms applicable to the DOE for net energy metering. Clarifies definition of eligible customer-generator.
SB 3126/HB 2726	RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS. To provide for air conditioning, heat abatement and related energy efficiency measures at public schools by authorizing a loan from the green infrastructure loan program to the departments of education and budget and finance, and making appropriations for expenditure of the borrowed funds, additional capital improvements and the initial loan repayment.
House Bill (“HB”) 2569	RELATING TO ENERGY. Requires the DOE to: (1) establish a goal of becoming net-zero with respect to energy use by 1/1/2035; (2) establish micro grid pilot projects at two public schools that are civil defense shelters; and (3) expedite the cooling of all public school classrooms to a temperature acceptable for student learning. Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds for the implementation of cooling measures in public school classrooms

Board Vice Chairperson De Lima stated that the Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommends the Board support SB 2604, SB 3126, HB 2736, and HB 2769 and provide testimony in support of those bills. SB 2605 and SB 2536 have been deferred but will also receive support if they go to hearings.

ACTION: Motion to support and provide testimony on SB 2604, SB 3126, HB 2736, HB 2769, SB 2605, and SB2536 (De Lima/Williams). The Motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


E. Board Action on proposed legislation being considered during 2016 Legislative Session, including:

SB 2780/HB 2205

RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS. Authorizes the charter school commission to adopt interim rules. Establishes requirements for meeting minutes. Authorizes charter schools to assess fees and charges for co-curricular activities.

Board Member Williams stated the House of Representatives amended HB 2205, deleting some provisions and maintaining others. The Senate amended SB 2780, but the amendments have not yet been posted yet. Board Member Williams stated that he is concerned the bills would limit access to the Commission in its decision making. Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapters 91 and 92 increase access, and there is no reason to exempt the Commission from these provisions. Board Member Williams stated that the Board acts in public and the Commission should as well. Board Member William’s testimony will be used as the basis for testimony from the Board.

Board Vice Chairperson De Lima stated that the HSTA bills should be agendized for the next General Business Meeting.

ACTION: Motion to oppose and submit testimony on SB 2780/HB 2205 (Williams/De Lima). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

ACTION: Motion to move into executive session to consult with Board attorney on the items on the agenda (De Lima/Horner). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

The meeting recessed at 3:49 p.m. and reconvened at 4:21 p.m.

Board Chairperson Mizumoto asked if there was any further public testimony. No further testimony was submitted.

Board Chairperson Mizumoto adjourned the meeting at 4:22 p.m.