STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
SPECIAL MEETING

MINUTES

Queen Liliuokalani Building
1390 Miller Street, Room 404
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Monday, July 24, 2023
*This meeting was a remote meeting under Section 92-3.7, Hawaii Revised Statutes. The meeting recording is available here.

PRESENT:
Warren Haruki, Chairperson
Kaimana Barcarse, Vice Chairperson
Bill Arakaki
Shanty Asher
Kahele Dukelow
Ken Kuraya
Makana McClellan
Lauren Moriarty

EXCUSED:
None

ALSO PRESENT:
Maverick Yasuda, Outgoing Student Representative
Ahryanna McGuirk, Incoming Student Representative
Colonel Angenene L. Robertson, Military Representative
Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Department of Education
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Lady Garrett, Secretary


I. Call to Order

Board Chairperson Warren Haruki called the Board of Education (“Board”) Special Meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Board Chairperson Haruki and Board Members Bill Arakaki, Shanty Asher, Ken Kuraya, and Makana McClellan were present. Board Members Kahele Dukelow and Lauren Moriarty participated remotely.


II. Introduction of New Board Members – Warren Haruki and Kahele Dukelow

Board Member Dukelow introduced herself.

Student Representative Ahryanna McGuirk introduced herself.

Board Chairperson Haruki introduced himself.


III. Approval of Meeting Minutes of June 15, 2023 General Business Meeting

Board Chairperson Haruki asked Board members to review the Board’s June 15, 2023, General Business Meeting minutes.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to approve the Board’s June 15, 2023, General Business Meeting minutes. Board Member Asher seconded.

Board Chairperson Haruki 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 Barcarse and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Dukelow, Kuraya, McClellan, and Moriarty).

ACTION: Motion to approve the Board’s June 15, 2023, General Business Meeting minutes (Barcarse/Asher). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


IV. Action Items

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one testified at this time.

Board Member Kuraya moved to appoint the Board vice chairperson and committee chairpersons, vice chairpersons, and members as outlined in Exhibit A of Board Chairperson Haruki’s memorandum dated July 24, 2023. Board Member McClellan seconded.

Board Chairperson Haruki called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Dukelow, Kuraya, McClellan, and Moriarty).

ACTION: Motion to appoint the Board vice chairperson and committee chairpersons, vice chairpersons, and members as outlined in Exhibit A of Board Chairperson Haruki’s memorandum dated July 24, 2023 (Kuraya/McClellan). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


The Board took agenda items IV.B, IV.C, IV.D, and IV.E together.

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

Susan Pcola-Davis, PTSA, testified on agenda item IV.B, entitled “Board Action on a resolution recognizing Regina Pascua.” She stated that House Bill 300 included two line items not funded for the Board and stated that she was appalled, shocked, and surprised that the Board office private secretary position was abolished.

Susan Pcola-Davis, PTSA, testified on agenda item IV.E, entitled “Board Action on a resolution recognizing Bruce Voss.” She referenced an article stating that Bruce Voss was replaced as the Board chairperson because he gave Hayashi a tough evaluation, stated that Governor Josh Green was quoted as wanting to provide support for Hayashi, and applauded the Board members for stepping up to the plate.

Board Chairperson Haruki asked if Board members had any comments on the resolutions.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse expressed aloha (love) for Pascua for her support. He shared that she was a former Miss Aloha Hula and emphasized appreciation for the institutional knowledge she brought to the Board.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to adopt the resolution for Pascua with an amendment inserting in between lines 13 and 14, “WHEREAS, In her interactions and work with Board staff, Board members, Department staff, and meeting attendees, Ms. Pascua exuded the values and outcomes found in Nâ Hopena Aʻo and regularly utilized ʻÔlelo Hawaiʻi in a welcoming and inclusive manner; and.” Board Member Moriarty seconded.

Board Member Arakaki expressed appreciation for Pascua and noted that she exhibited aloha spirit.

Board Member Moriarty expressed appreciation for Pascua who provided professionalism with aloha, which helped her as a new Board member.

Student Representative Maverick Yasuda expressed appreciation for Pascua and noted that she would go out of her way to help. He stated that Pascua’s gestures show that she was an invaluable employee to the Board.

Board Member Asher echoed comments from Yasuda and shared that when she joined the Board was overwhelming, but Pascua was the go-to person who provided guidance and direction. She expressed appreciation for Pascua and noted that she was shocked to learn about her departure.

Board Chairperson Haruki called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Dukelow, Kuraya, McClellan, and Moriarty).

ACTION: Motion to adopt the resolution recognizing Regina Pascua for her service with amendments (Barcarse/Moriarty). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

Board Member Kuraya moved to adopt the resolutions recognizing Lynn Fallin, Kili Namau‘u, and Bruce Voss for their service. Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse seconded.

Board Chairperson Haruki called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Dukelow, Kuraya, McClellan, and Moriarty).

ACTION: Motion to adopt the resolutions recognizing Lynn Fallin, Kili Namau‘u, and Bruce Voss for their service (Kuraya/Barcarse). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


V. Report of the Superintendent

The Board took agenda items V.A and V.B together.

Board Chairperson Haruki called on Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, to provide his report.

Hayashi reported that regarding strategic plan Priority I, “High Quality Learning for All,” the Department of Education (“Department”) just completed another year of robust summer learning. He noted that the preliminary numbers show that roughly 26,000 students participated in summer learning programs, which included enrichment, remediation, special education services, and more.

Hayashi highlighted the following: 86 public schools served meals free of charge, regardless of enrollment in schools; the kindergarten summer start program helped nearly 2,300 learners with transitioning to the new school year; the Department is on track to open 11 new pre-kindergarten classrooms through a partnership with the Executive Office of Early Learning and the Ready Keiki Initiative; and the Department held athletic camps at Campbell High School, King Kekaulike High School, Leilehua High School, Moanalua High School, Molokai High School, Radford High School, Waimea High School, and Waipahu High School. Hayashi shared that the Department had over 100 student interns at 14 worksites due to partnerships with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (“DLIR”) and the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association. He stated that through a partnership with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, ten high schools offered training and healthcare employment opportunities for Class of 2023 graduates. Hayashi detailed that the program provided training for 97 students, that 42 graduates received offers of employment, and 33 accepted employment offers.

Hayashi stated that during the summer, in alignment with Priority II, “High Quality Educator Workforce in all Schools,” teachers participated in opportunities with Hawaii Pacific Health to help elevate workforce readiness initiatives. He shared that teachers were able to go into an operating room and participate in a healthcare simulation to deliver babies, which is an excellent example of authentic learning opportunities for teachers. Hayashi also stated that the Hawaii Teacher Induction Center organized three summer learning opportunities for 345 beginning teachers who received support from mentors and teachers of the year in areas of special education, support for multilingual learners, and trauma informed practices.

Hayashi stated that on July 11, 2023, the Department held its annual Educational Leadership Institute (“ELI”) for Department administrators to gather and discuss the shared vision and goals related to the strategic plan. He reported that the Department needs to fill approximately 1,200 teacher vacancies annually and that the Office of Talent Management has led efforts to fill 875 teacher positions. Hayashi announced that the Department posted 361 teaching jobs on its website and noted that the Department welcomed 80 certified teachers from the Philippines over the summer as part of an international teacher recruitment effort. He detailed that Lanai High and Elementary School hired ten of these teachers so the school started the year fully staffed with teachers.

Hayashi stated that summer is a time for the Department to maintain campuses, in alignment with Priority III, “Effective and Efficient Operations at All Levels.” He shared that there has been extensive work over the summer break so that students and staff at Holualoa Elementary School would start the new school year with refreshed spaces and the new Kulanihakoi School could open to Grades 9 and 10.

Hayashi shared that the Department continues to face extreme challenges with student transportation. He stated that the Expanding Ridership to Educate Students in School known as the EXPRESS program was piloted to provide subsidized city and county bus pass last school year and would be continuing and expanded this year.

Hayashi recognized the following schools for recent awards and accomplishments: (1) Ewa Makai Middle School students came in 8th place for the Middle School Exploring Medical Innovation Competition during the national Health Occupations Students of America-Future Health Professionals conference in Dallas, Texas; (2) Ewa Makai student received a silver medal for mobile robotics during the Scales national championship in Atlanta, Georgia; (3) a team from Highlands Intermediate placed first in the National Anatomage tournament for middle school students; (4) the Kamalii Elementary School principal was recognized as the project-based learning champion of the year; and (5) the communications team received two awards for the weekly Hoʻohaʻaheo and a video featuring the typical day of Dr. Michael Ida from Kalani High School, 2023 teacher of the year. Hayashi strongly encouraged individuals to subscribe to the Hawaii Public Schools newsletter for future announcements.

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one testified at this time.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse expressed appreciation for the report and noted that there is still a lot of work needed for disadvantaged students. He asked for more information on the areas that need attention and asked how the Department is progressing with the strategic plan. Hayashi replied that after discussions with principals there are many bright spots due because of the dedication of teachers to provide and participate in professional development. He noted that the Department would continue to focus on social emotional learning and mental health needs of our students to be sure we have the necessary support in place for students. Hayashi also stated that the Department would monitor student growth models and remains committed to the priorities of the strategic plan. He also stated that the ELI convened 1,200 of the Department’s school, complex, and state office leaders to engage in dialogue. He expressed optimism and confidence to neʻepapa (move together) forward.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse noted that members of the community shared with him that the ELI displayed a lot of good work.

Board Member Moriarty expressed appreciation for the report, especially how the report correlates to the strategic plan priorities. She noted that intensive tutoring has proven to be an effective strategy and asked if there is information on the impact from the intensive tutoring offerings from this past summer session. Hayashi replied that the Department is collecting the data at this time and would share this information at the next update.

Board Member Moriarty asked what specific Department actions led to the success of Priority II. Hayashi replied that collective knowledge allowed the Department to look at the data and craft solutions. He noted that with new things, there are bound to be some challenges. Hayashi stated that the recruitment of teachers from the Philippines would provide data and that there may be opportunities to expand.

Board Member Moriarty expressed interest in that factors that contributed the most to yield the greatest results.

Board Member Moriarty asked about the Priority III goal to reduce the repair and maintenance backlog. Hayashi replied that Curt Otaguro, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, and Randall Tanaka, Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Facilities and Operations, are working to reduce the repair and maintenance backlog and that further information would be provided. Board Member Moriarty noted that it is hard to do this work during the school year and that she would like to know what the Department did to reduce the backlog.

Board Member Moriarty asked what two things give Hayashi pause for the new school year. Hayashi replied that one area are efforts to address the multi-faceted needs of students and noted that it is important to support students and keep them on a positive trajectory. He stated that school leaders and teachers are aware of the need to support students. Hayashi shared his concern with student transportation and the challenge of finding drivers because there is a nationwide shortage.

Board Student Representative Yasuda stated that it is wonderful to hear about the summer opportunities for students and staff. He noted that it is important to get students into the workforce and asked the Department to elaborate on its social-emotional learning and environmental programs. Hayashi expressed appreciation to DLIR and the Hawaii State Legislature, who helped to get interns engaged in state-level jobs. He shared that social-emotional learning supports include counseling, keeping in touch with students, student support services leveraging technology with supports, and sustainability efforts.

Board Student Representative Yasuda stated that the biggest goal is to provide quality education, but the bus driver shortage could correlate to lower student attendance rates. He asked if the Department has a plan to collect data to find a solution. Hayashi replied that this is a multi-faceted problem.

Board Student Representative Yasuda asked Hayashi to describe his mindset or self-model going into the school year. Hayashi replied that he is always looking at continuous improvement and being globally competitive and locally committed so students are instilled with the values that are unique to Hawaii.

Board Chairperson Haruki stated that going forward the superintendent report would be on the agenda to celebrate success and work ahead. He stated that the strategic plan includes 127 items, but there needs to be some sense of priorities that the committees can focus on since many issues facing our students, staff, and communities are similar.

Board Member Asher expressed appreciation for the highlights Hayashi reported and echoed comments from Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse on the struggles of disadvantaged students who may not know about these opportunities. She stated schools should be preparing and planning for summer programs early so that students have time to submit applications. She congratulated the students who participated in the workforce development opportunities.

Board Member McClellan left the meeting at 2:38 p.m.

Board Member Arakaki stated that the ELI theme was “leading with intention” and “globally competitive, locally committed.” He asked Hayashi to describe the areas that the Department needs address and describe how the Department is dealing with other shortage areas. Hayashi replied that there is a bus driver shortage and that the Department is looking to build teacher ranks to move into leadership positions as administrators. He also shared that there is an educational assistant shortage, so the Department is making efforts in his area as well.


VI. Board Member Report on events attended: (1) June 30, 2023 Alternative Learning Programs, Supports & Services Summer Student Summit; (2) July 3, 2023 Education Bill Signing Ceremony (Royal Elementary School); (3) July 11, 2023 Educational Leadership Institute - Leading with Intention

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one testified at this time.

Board Chairperson Haruki referred to the written report on the events attended by Board members.

Board Member Arakaki referred to the Alternative Learning Programs, Supports & Services (“ALPSS”) Summer Student Summit and noted that it was amazing to hear from students about what changes need to happen. He stated that it was inspiring to see the students learning skills from the summer program. Hayashi expressed appreciation for Nishimura, who is the director of the ALPSS program.

Board Member Kuraya stated that the program provides alternative learning opportunities.

Board Chairperson Haruki expressed appreciation for the program led by Nishimura. He acknowledged Ann Mahi, Osa Tui, and Colonel Angenene Robertson.

Colonel Robertson stated that Pascua would be missed and noted that the Department is going forward in a positive direction.

Board Chairperson Haruki expressed appreciation for all the Department staff.


VII. Adjournment

Board Chairperson Haruki adjourned the meeting at 2:52 p.m.

List of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting

NAME
Organization
Agenda Item
Susan Pcola-DavisVI.B. Resolution of the Board recognizing Regina Pascua for her service;