EXCUSED:
None

ALSO PRESENT:
Kyla Musso, Student Representative
Colonel Angenene L. Robertson, Military Representative
Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Department of Education
Sean Bacon, Interim Assistant Superintendent, Office of Talent Management, Department of Education
Halle Maxwell, Principal, Kihei High School, Department of Education
Randall Tanaka, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Facilities and Operations, Department of Education
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Executive Secretary
Lady Garrett, Secretary

1. Call to Order

1. Public Testimony on Board of Education (“Board”) Agenda Items

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item IV.A, entitled “Board Member Report on events attended: (1) July 15, 2022 Hawaii Business Roundtable Early Learning Forum; (2) July 29, 2022 Board Community Meeting; (3) August 12, 2022 Hawaii Education Research Networking meeting.” She stated that the community meeting was organized, the attendance was reasonable for a Friday evening, and expressed disappointment that a lot of discussion centered around masks and vaccinations.

Ruth Mathis Wisseh, Department of Education, testified on agenda item V.A, entitled “Board Action on Board strategic plan timeline.” She explained that she relocated to Hawaii to research learning tailored to Native Hawaiian students and requested that the Board add her curriculum to an upcoming agenda.

Cheri Nakamura, HE‘E Coalition, testified on agenda item IV.A, entitled “Board Member Report on events attended: (1) July 15, 2022 Hawaii Business Roundtable Early Learning Forum; (2) July 29, 2022 Board Community Meeting; (3) August 12, 2022 Hawaii Education Research Networking meeting.” She suggested that the Department of Education (“Department”) establish a statewide parent portal to serve as a mechanism to streamline the delivery of information to parents and guardians.

Justin Hughey, member of the public, testified on agenda item IV.B, entitled “Superintendent’s Report: (1) Opening of the 2022-2023 school year; (2) School Supply Subsidy Pilot Program; (3) Job Recruitment; (4) Weekly Department newsletter.” He expressed frustration that staff at his school are required to attend mandatory in-person staff meetings in small conference rooms without proper ventilation.

David Miyashiro, HawaiiKidsCAN, testified on agenda item V.A, entitled “Board Action on Board strategic plan timeline.” He stated that there is an urgency for the Board’s strategic plan given student needs, expressed support for the proposed revised timeline, support for additional time for a thorough data review process, and suggested that the Board review the previous strategic plan.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item V.A, entitled “Board Action on Board strategic plan timeline.” She suggested the Board consider revising its timeline to adopt the strategic plan in February 2023 and suggested creating two Board permitted interaction groups to work on data analysis and community engagement.

Julie Reyes Oda, member of the public, testified on agenda item V.D, entitled “Board Action on appointment of deputy superintendent of strategy.” She expressed opposition to the appointment of the deputy superintendent of strategy and noted that the temporary position will cost $190,000 when the Department already has assistant superintendents.

Kahea Faria, Aha Kauleo, testified on agenda item V.D, entitled “Board Action on appointment of deputy superintendent of strategy.” She stated that Aha Kauleo stands on its written testimony and expressed strong support for the appointment of Tammi Oyadomari-Chun as the deputy superintendent of strategy to ensure the continued support of Hawaiian education.

Kris Coffield, Democratic Party of Hawai‘i Education Caucus, testified on agenda item V.D, entitled “Board Action on appointment of deputy superintendent of strategy.'' He noted that the proposed deputy superintendent positions are being created in an unusual way with specific individuals in mind, that the Board should ask these candidates certain fundamental questions and urged the Board to approach this decision with caution.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item V.D, entitled “Board Action on appointment of deputy superintendent of strategy.” She expressed opposition to any more bloating in the state office and noted that the recommendation does not include information differentiating the deputy superintendent positions from the assistant superintendent positions.

Amy Perruso, Hawaii State House, testified on agenda item V.D, entitled “Board Action on appointment of deputy superintendent of operations.” She requested that the Board defer action on the deputy superintendent recommendations, emphasized that many legislators expressed distrust with allowing the Department to handle additional maintenance of effort funds, emphasized that the Department has a public relations problem, and that these funds need to be directed to the classroom.

Julie Reyes Oda, member of the public, testified on agenda item V.E, entitled “Board Action on appointment of deputy superintendent of operations.” She expressed opposition to the appointment of the deputy superintendent of operations because the temporary position will cost $190,000 plus the cost of fringe benefits and that she would prefer to see the librarian positions that were cut restored before the Department hires another deputy superintendent.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item V.E, entitled “Board Action on appointment of deputy superintendent of operations.” She expressed opposition to the appointment of the deputy superintendent of operations, noted that the Department’s recommendation does not have enough details to differentiate the deputy superintendent from the assistant superintendents, and emphasized that her opposition is not related to individuals nominated for these positions.

Micah Kane, Hawaii Community Foundation, testified on agenda item V.E, entitled “Board Action on appointment of deputy superintendent of operations.” He emphasized that it is clear there is a collaborative focus and respect amongst leaders, expressed support for Curt Otaguro and Tammi Oyadomari-Chun, and that he hopes that the Board recognizes the quality of these individuals who can make the changes needed for the public school system.

Board Chairperson Voss announced that due to recent changes to the Sunshine Law, Board members and the public were not able to access testimony submitted after the cut off until he called the meeting to order. He expressed strong disagreement but noted that the Board is bound to follow these requirements and apologized for the inconvenience. He recessed the meeting to allow Board members to review testimony submitted after the testimony cut off.

The meeting recessed at 2:13 p.m. and reconvened at 2:24 p.m.

1. Approval of Meeting Minutes of July 14, 2022 General Business Meeting, and June 16, 2022 Special Meeting

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to approve the meeting minutes of the Board’s July 14, 2022 General Business Meeting and June 16, 2022 Special Meeting. Board Member Kuraya seconded.

Board Chairperson Voss 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, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to approve the meeting minutes of the Board’s July 14, 2022 General Business Meeting and June 16, 2022 Special Meeting (Barcarse/Kuraya). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.

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

1. Board Member Report on events attended: (1) July 15, 2022 Hawaii Business Roundtable Early Learning Forum; (2) July 29, 2022 Board Community Meeting; (3) August 12, 2022 Hawaii Education Research Networking meeting

Board Member Namau‘u reported that Chad Keone Farias, SFA Executive Director has a monumental task and shared concerns about how he will spend the large amount of funding. She expressed concern that whether SFA can spend funds on private preschool facilities is an unresolved issue and noted that if the Board wants more young children to receive early education, they need to figure out ways to help everyone.

Board Member McClellan reported that she enjoyed the forum and highlighted that every $1 invested in early education yields $7 in returns. She stated that the event highlighted the importance of early learning, increasing availability, and creating an integrated system that ensures access.

Board Chairperson Voss stated that the second event was the Board Community meeting held on July 29, 2022 with the primary purpose of discussing communication between schools and families and to share general concerns. He reported that the meeting was held at the Pearl City Highlands Elementary School cafeteria with about 75 people in attendance and invited Board Members Fallin, McClellan, and Arakaki, who also attended the meeting, to provide their report.

Board Member Arakaki noted that it was good to hear concerns and suggestions from parents and guardians. He stated that several individuals shared that they would like to be a part of the discussions and the decision-making process to provide parent voice. Board Member Arakaki stated that one suggestion was that the Board consider changing its meeting time so more parents and guardians could attend meetings. Board Member Arakaki also reported that people discussed how the Department handles controversial topics and information and concerns were expressed about the Department’s opt-out process, which is hard to understand.

Board Member Fallin reported that the participants at the community meeting were civil, which allowed for positive engagement. She stated that she wished that more students attended the meeting and that she would like to figure out how to have more students participate in the future.

Board Member McClellan expressed appreciation to Board Chairperson Voss for his leadership and noted that there was a lot of emotion and discussions, which were not easy task, but that overall the meeting was productive. She stated that engaging parents and guardians and ensuring that they feel like a key stakeholder is essential and that they want to find an appropriate outlet to express concerns. Board Member McClellan expressed appreciation to Cheri Nakamura of the HE‘E Coalition for her written testimony which suggested that the Department use the Infinite Campus software to make it easier for parents and guardians to submit and receive information. She noted that the Department and Board need to think about better ways to deliver information to parents, guardians, and students. She acknowledged that some schools were more successful in communicating with parents and guardians than others.

Board Chairperson Voss reported that the Board held its first community meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed appreciation for Board staff, and parents and guardians who wanted someone to listen to them. Board Chairperson Voss reiterated that the suggestion of one portal for information could be expanded into a one-stop shop for information. He shared other participant concerns and suggestions, including that schools should pushing more information out to parents, that teacher email addresses should be easily accessible on school websites, and that schools should have more events earlier in the school year so parents and guardians can interact with teachers and school administrators. Board Chairperson Voss noted that a student at the community meeting said that he felt like the way he was treated regarding his personal decision on masking reduced his desire to go back to school and emphasized that the way the Department communicates matters. Board Chairperson Voss encouraged the Department to share the information gathered from the community meeting with the state level and complex areas.

Board Chairperson Voss reported that the last event was the Hawaii Education Research Networking (“HERN”) meeting held on August 12, 2022, which provided the opportunity to network with researchers and practitioners to explore research that aligns with educational priorities and inform practice and policy. He stated that there were approximately 60 attendees, which included individuals from all three levels of the Department's system (school, complex area, and state levels), higher education, non-profits, P-20, and others. Board Chairperson Voss explained that the conference started with presentations from three groups on their research, then participants visited tables focusing on a subject matter area, followed by a facilitated question and answer session. He invited Board Members Arakaki, Fallin, and Namau‘u, who also attended the meeting, to provide their report.

Board Member Namau‘u reported that the Department should take advantage of the research available to help students. She noted that it is important for the Department to provide the questions that need to be researched to this organization who can provide the support and that she looks forward to participating in future events to build pilina (relationships).

Board Member Arakaki reported that the HERN organization has great resources for the Department to utilize that will help inform decisions. He expressed appreciation for the research being done on computer science, math, and special education.

Board Member Fallin reported that she participated in a session on social emotional learning, which focused not only on the students but also the staff. She also participated in a session relating to teacher ethics, which focused around the various decisions that teachers make throughout their career.

Board Chairperson Voss expressed appreciation for the presentations and shared that an energetic researcher shared about what is being done in the classroom to benefit students, including a math pathway research project, which can be important to the Board’s strategic planning efforts.

1. Superintendent’s Report: (1) Opening of the 2022-2023 school year; (2) School Supply Subsidy Pilot Program; (3) Job recruitment; (4) Weekly Department newsletter

Hayashi also shared that 8,000 students started the school year with new school supplies provided by the state to benefit students and their families. He visited Na‘alehu Elementary School along with Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse to participate in the rollout of the school supplies subsidy program.

Hayashi reported that the Department continues to actively recruit teachers, educational assistants, and security attendants and hired 1,100 new teachers. He stated that the Department is currently recruiting school bus drivers, which continues to be a challenge because the Department lost hundreds of drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hayashi shared that the student transportation branch held events on Oahu and Maui to allow potential applicants to test drive school buses with applications and on the spot interviews.

He reported that as part of the Department’s commitment to provide timely updates, it increased the frequency of its newsletter from monthly to weekly for the 2022-2023 school year.

1. Action Items

1. Board Action on Board strategic plan timeline

Board Member Moriarty expressed appreciation for the progress made this morning on the strategic plan and noted that the testimonies received emphasized the importance of flexibility in this process. She expressed concern for students at the high school level because if the Board does not have a process for the schools this means that some students will have gone through four years of high school without the Department having strategic guidance. Board Member Moriarty also expressed concern that the strategic plan timing intersects with the remaining Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds that the Department needs to use. She asked if there is anything to do in order to make progress to show parents and students that learning needs to continue while the Board develops a thoughtful strategic plan.

Board Member Moriarty suggested that if the Board clearly identifies some areas, the Board should ask the Department to prioritize these areas as it develops financial plans, even if the strategic plan complete. She stated that then the Board could move forward and amend financial plans later to align with long-term direction. Board Member Moriarty expressed the need to have a strategic plan in place to show parents this fall. She emphasized that she would not like to make students wait two to three years for a strategic plan.

Board Chairperson Voss expressed support for the additional time is to do a complete data review, particularly the data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, Smarter Balanced Assessment data and ACT test results from earlier this year to determine the impact of the pandemic. He also explained that the Board has an ambitious plan to go into the community to listen to parents, guardians, students, and community members and that although this will take additional time, it will be time well spent. Board Chairperson Voss responded to questions about the timing of the Board’s strategic plan and school academic and financial plans. He stated that the Board will identify priorities by December, which is around the time schools to submit their academic and financial plans, but he stated that it is often misunderstood that these plans are not set in stone and that they can or should evolve, if needed. He asked Hayashi for confirmation of this.

Hayashi explained that the school's academic and financial plan follows a dynamic process where schools work with their principals, faculty, staff, and the school community councils to set their financial plans. He stated that once the School Community Council approves the school’s financial plans, principals work with complex area superintendents to develop academic plans that can be adjusted.

Board Chairperson Voss noted that Board Member Moriarty raised an important point on using the ESSER funds and how schools can request funds to use on programs to address the strategic goals. Hayashi replied that the funds are with the complex area superintendents who are working to identify what a three-year rollout would look like based on data. He stated that the Department would be able to provide an update to the Board in December or January on the adjustments.

Board Member Moriarty reiterated that schools are using funds based on previous guidance issued by the Board, but that there can be subsequent guidance for future funds not already allocated. Hayashi confirmed that Board Member Moriarty was correct.

Board Member McClellan noted that testimony the Board received asked the Board to address the previous strategic plan and community engagement.

Board Chairperson Voss 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, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to (1) approve the amended strategic plan timeline attached as Exhibit A to Board Chairperson Voss’s memorandum dated August 18, 2022 and (2) authorize the Board Chairperson to change the dates for the listed activities as necessary except for the adoption of the strategic plan and approval of the Department’s implementation plan (Barcarse/McClellan). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

1. Board Action on Memorandum of Understanding between State of Hawaii Board of Education and Hawaii State Teachers Association (Additional Professional Development Hours for School Year 2022-2023)

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to approve the “Memorandum of Understanding between State of Hawaii Board of Education and Hawaii State Teachers Association (Additional Professional Development Hours for School Year 2022-2023)” attached as Exhibit A to Hayashi’s memorandum dated August 18, 2022. Board Member Arakaki seconded.

Board Member McClellan asked for clarification if the 21 hours of professional development would be additional hours or a restoration. Hayashi replied that the Department would restore the 21 hours of professional development.

Board Member Moriarty asked for clarification as to whether it meant that without the MOU the teachers received no professional development hours. Bacon clarified that the Department would restore 21 professional development hours.

Board Member Moriarty asked if the Department provided the professional development hours, but just funded them differently. Bacon confirmed that Board Member Moriarty was correct.

Board Member Moriarty asked for clarification relating to the argument in support of the recommendation which stated “Approval of this MOU will provide the Department with an additional tool for recruiting and retaining quality teachers for Hawaii’s public schools.” She asked what survey data the Department would use to assess professional development and how the hours translate into better student learning outcomes. Bacon replied that over the last five years the Department provides an annual update on its goals and teacher retention, which includes the salary increases during recruitment and the various types of opportunities that the Department provides which helps to determine the needs of the schools.

Board Member Moriarty stated that a big goal is to retain and recruit teachers and many factors go into accepting and remaining in a position. She asked if the Department has survey data asking teachers which factors are most important and what kinds of data would the Department collect to inform decisions going forward. Board Member Moriarty stated that the Board is setting its priorities and will track this information to monitor progress. Hayashi replied that the Department can collect data to gather data on teacher voice and expressed support for professional development as a former principal. He explained that schools look at different areas that will align with the overall academic plan.

Bacon stated that the Department’s panorama survey responses provide information about how teachers are feeling.

Board Member Namauʻu stated that regarding professional development she would like to understand how teacher professional development affects students and how it relates to the needs of the school. She asked if the Department collects this type of data. Hayashi replied that schools look at student achievement as a big component when selecting professional development and assess where students so they can implement specific strategic plans.

Bacon emphasized that schools put a lot of effort into developing their academic and financial plans to determine appropriate professional development.

Board Member Arakaki stated that the academic and financial plans are in-depth. He explained that along with the professional development the Department provides, the Department provides other resources for teachers that relate to climate and culture.

Board Member Kuraya stated that the Department also conducts exit surveys with teachers and at that time, the teachers can share their reason for separating from service.

Bacon shared that any employee leaving the Department can provide information relating to their reasons for separation from service, which is incorporated in the Department’s annual employment report and publicly posted.

Board Chairperson Voss 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, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to approve the “Memorandum of Understanding between State of Hawaii Board of Education and Hawaii State Teachers Association (Additional Professional Development Hours for School Year 2022-2023)” attached as Exhibit A to Hayashi’s memorandum dated August 18, 2022 (Barcarse/Arakaki). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

1. Board Action on renaming the school currently known as Kihei High School to Kūlanihāko‘i High School

Hayashi provided the Department’s recommendation to name the new school Kūlanihāko‘i High School. He stated that the school is operating at a temporary site on the Lokelani Intermediate School campus until the Department completes construction at the end of this calendar year. Hayashi shared that Halle Maxwell, Principal, convened Native Hawaiian experts, historians, and community members with generational ties to the area to conduct research to help with the naming of the school. He noted that the name honors the Kūlanihāko‘i stream and gulch, which runs adjacent to the campus on its northern boundary and which once brought life to the area through farms and fishponds. Hayashi noted that the name also refers to the mythical lake or pond in the sky that provides nourishment and encourages students to think of their connection from mauka (mountain) to makai (ocean) and provides a connection to the school site that represents the community's voice and wishes.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to approve the name “Kūlanihāko‘i High School'' for the new high school in Kihei on the island of Maui. Board Member Namau‘u seconded.

Board Chairperson Voss expressed appreciation for Maxwell for coming to address the Board and asked the Department to share more about the process used to name the school.

Maxwell shared that Kihei High School has been the placeholder name during construction and during the naming process she learned about the history of Kihei from those with generational ties to the area. She explained that she reached out to Native Hawaiian practitioners in the community who compiled research and presented it during a community meeting. Maxwell stated that the group recommended several names that best represented the school community.

Board Chairperson Voss asked for more information about the engagement process, which included reaching out to the feeder schools.

Maxwell replied that one of the foundations of the new school is that it will be a student voice school, so she reached out to students and parents from the feeder intermediate schools for their comment and input on the name. She also shared that they held in-person student focus groups with students from Lokelani Intermediate School to engage in deeper conversations.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse expressed appreciation for the name and stated that Kūlanihāko‘i is also a mythical lake in the sky, which provides a connection to place. He stated that there is a chant where a student asks for permission to come and learn “ua hiki mai ho‘i, me ka mana‘o e, he wailani ko Kūlanihāko‘i,” which translates to “I have arrived with the thoughts and the aspirations that this heavenly water (synonymous with knowledge) will be fed to me.”

Board Member Namau‘u stated that the story shared by Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse is profound. She shared that the school has struggled to come up with an appropriate name and that outside groups have inundated school administrators with other names. Board Member Namau‘u stated that this is how to build a kahua (foundation) and expressed support for the recommendation.

Board Chairperson Voss noted that the school has a long and challenging history. He asked for clarification regarding the memorandum stating that the school is scheduled to open in spring 2023. Maxwell replied that the school is open at an alternative location with 30 students, but in spring 2023 the school will move to the main campus and will be able to expand to serve all students in the community.

Board Chairperson Voss 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, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to approve the name “Kūlanihāko‘i High School'' for the new high school in Kihei on the island of Maui (Barcarse/Namau‘u). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

1. Board Action on appointment of deputy superintendent of strategy

Hayashi requested the Board’s approval of a deputy superintendent of strategy with a starting salary of $190,000. He shared that the position is temporary and the Department would need to seek permanent funding during the upcoming legislative session. Hayashi emphasized that the deputy superintendent of strategy would strengthen partnerships with community and business leaders to promote and elevate the Department.

Hayashi stated that Oyadomari-Chun has an extensive background and previously served as an assistant superintendent. He shared that she was instrumental in the development of the previous strategic plan.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to approve the appointment of Tammi Oyadomari-Chun as the deputy superintendent of strategy with an annual salary of $190,000, effective on or after August 22, 2022 and funded on a temporary basis as described in Hayashi’s memorandum dated August 18, 2022. Board Member Arakaki seconded.

Board Member Arakaki expressed appreciation for the request from Hayashi and asked where Hawaii stands nationally, as far as school district size. He emphasized that the Department’s daily operations are immense. Hayashi replied that Hawaii is the tenth largest school district in the nation and that the new deputy superintendent positions will help the Department move forward to benefit all students.

Board Chairperson Voss stated that the general guideline is that no more than 5% should be dedicated to administrative salaries and he asked what percentage of the Department’s budget is devoted to administrative salaries. Hayashi replied that the current percentage devoted to salaries averages less than 4%. Bacon shared that the Department’s actual salary percentage is 3.5%.

Board Member Asher expressed her support and noted that the request is timely since the two positions will support Hayashi while he is trying to build and bring forth the change our students need after enduring the COVID-19 pandemic.

Board Member Kuraya asked if the proposed deputy superintendent positions would oversee the current assistant superintendents. Hayashi replied that he would work with current assistant superintendents to conduct an assessment, including a review of the types of support the state and complex areas provide. He stated that determinations on next steps would be made once this work is completed.

Board Member Kuraya requested clarification as to whether the deputy superintendents would oversee specific assistant superintendents. Hayashi replied that is correct and noted that interdependence would be important as the Department moves forward.

Board Member Kuraya stated that the Board has three committees and asked if the deputy superintendent positions would be responsible for providing information to each of the committees. Hayashi confirmed that if it makes sense to the Board, then the deputy superintendents could support the Board committees.

Board Member Fallin congratulated Hayashi because part of being a leader is attracting individuals willing to assist public education. She noted that each candidate brings forth internal and external experiences that would help the Department. Board Member Fallin expressed appreciation to Hayashi for the internal assessment and emphasized that she is excited about the potential and has high expectations.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse echoed comments from Board Member Fallin and asked Hayashi to choose and share what his top three deliverables are for each of the deputy superintendent positions. Hayashi replied that he would like the deputy superintendents to deliver on the following: (1) work with the Board to engage stakeholders to move the work forward; (2) impact students and the broad strategies in the classroom and system to help move the work forward including elevating the Office of Hawaiian Engagement; and (3) assess and systematize efforts in the Department so that public education is the first choice and an internationally recognized place of learning.

Board Student Representative Musso expressed support for the positions having specific goals, although temporary. She stated that educators are a key component to student success and that the Board is working on developing a strategic plan which reflects core values of the public education system.

Board Member Moriarty stated that the Board selected Hayashi because it trusted his leadership. She emphasized that the Board has received serious and thoughtful testimony from various stakeholders who have expressed real concerns about moving forward with this request at this time. Board Member Moriarty encouraged Hayashi to respond to these testimonies with data supporting his recommendation.

Board Member McClellan echoed comments from Board Member Moriarty and noted that the Board needs to trust Hayashi and provide him with the space to build a team to achieve goals.

Board Member Namau‘u expressed that she was concerned about Hayashi’s recommendation because it was not clear that the positions were temporary. She asked if each of the candidates realized the position would be temporary when recruited. Hayashi replied that he notified both candidates and noted that he will be seeking permanent funding for the positions from the legislature.

Board Member Namau‘u recognized the concerns shared by teachers in testimony and emphasized that Hayashi needs to succeed so all of our schools can thrive. She stated that her concerns are not a reflection of the nominated candidates; her concerns are related to the process Hayashi used to hire these candidates. Board Member Namau‘u also expressed concern about the lack of potential for other candidates to apply for these positions.

Board Chairperson Voss expressed respect for the concerns raised and recognized that Hayashi did not present his recommendation clearly in the memorandum. He expressed support for the recommendation so that the Board can put Hayashi in the best position to succeed. Board Chairperson Voss noted that Oyadomari-Chun has been an asset to the Department and Board and will be able to assist with data for the strategic planning.

Board Chairperson Voss called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried with Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, and Moriarty voting aye, and Board Member Namauʻu voting nay.

ACTION: Motion to approve the appointment of Tammi Oyadomari-Chun as the deputy superintendent of strategy with an annual salary of $190,000, effective on or after August 22, 2022 and funded on a temporary basis as described in Hayashi’s memorandum dated August 18, 2022 (Barcarse/Arakaki). The motion carried with seven members present voting aye and one voting nay.

1. Board Action on appointment of deputy superintendent of operations

Hayashi recommended Curt Otaguro to serve as the deputy superintendent of operations to oversee the streamlining of operations to increase effectiveness, modernize systems by replacing outdated and archaic ones, conducting an inventory to eliminate duplicate functions, identify needs, increase and improve support for school operations in a cohesive manner, easing the burden of schools by centralizing functions that can be appropriately centralized, and recruiting and retaining qualified staff at the school, state, and complex areas. He stated that Otaguro previously provided administrative support as a comptroller for several state agencies and has experience in the private sector that will help guide the Department when determining what changes need to be made.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to approve the appointment of Curt Otaguro as the deputy superintendent of operations with an annual salary of $190,000, effective on or after August 22, 2022 and funded on a temporary basis as described in Hayashi’s memorandum dated August 18, 2022. Board Member Arakaki seconded.

Board Member Arakaki expressed support for the recommendation.

Board Member Fallin expressed appreciation for Otaguro’s expertise and external perspective, which will help schools be more successful. She stated that the deputy superintendent of operations will be critical in areas of systems and processes, which are long overdue for modernization and will help with some of the frustrations at the school level. Board Member Fallin expressed support for the recommendation.

Board Chairperson Voss stated that when the Board selected Hayashi there was a need for change. He asked what kind of role the new deputy superintendent will play in establishing organizational systems that the Department needs. Hayashi replied that Otaguro has expertise in modernization efforts and currently the Department has old systems in place related to finance, personnel, and technology. He explained that the deputy will need to ensure those systems are at a place to begin modernization while working with assistant superintendents.

Board Member Fallin stated that the area of administration needs to be rethought because in this model the Board is talking about support services that will benefit schools and the importance needs to be communicated. She stated that as the process moves forward the Department needs to engage the schools to align.

Board Member Moriarty stated that she trusts that Hayashi knows what is needed and expressed support for the recommendation. She noted that it would be helpful to have a detailed understanding of organizations of similar size and how these organizations provide services. Board Member Moriarty stated that it is important to engage schools in the process to understand their needs for support services and emphasized the importance of bringing a systematic strategic approach to bringing in new integrated systems that meet modern and future needs to support student growth. She stated that several individuals expressed concern about spending money on a level that does not translate to the students. Board Member Moriarty stated that she hopes that Hayashi will clarify that the focus of this position will be on making systemic and strategic changes and noted that it will be hard to succeed if trust is lost. Board Member Moriarty emphasized that the Department will need to focus on the school level so students, parents, and guardians see short-term tangible benefits while the Department works on longer-term strategic changes.

Board Member Moriarty asked what criteria Hayashi would use to measure what these positions delivered during this temporary time to justify making the positions permanent. Hayashi replied that system-wide the Department needs to identify areas that will require permanent funding to expedite the process in the system and that the Department would provide the Board with its progress and justification.

Board Member Asher stated that during the superintendent selection process, the Board encouraged Hayashi to surround himself with a strong team. She stated that she was impressed to see that Hayashi listened and that it did not take too long for him to gain the trust of individuals and bring them to work in the Department.

Board Member Asher stated that the Department is in a new era of modernization and expressed hope that this will be incorporated into the Board’s strategic plan.

Board Member Kuraya stated that the Department should look at other entities to build a cohesive working relationship and that Otaguro would help with these efforts. He stated that these types of partnerships help the entire state.

Board Student Representative Musso noted that on page 5 of the recommendation memorandum, the last bullet point states that the position will be responsible for, “recruiting and retaining qualified staff at the school, complex area, and state office levels.” She pointed out that this was an essential function, which directly impacts students.

Board Member Voss stated that Otaguro is an example of the type of talent the Department needs to attract and expressed appreciation for his willingness to take on the enormous tasks that would need to be addressed.

Board Chairperson Voss called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried with Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, and Moriarty voting aye, and Board Member Namauʻu voting nay.

ACTION: Motion to approve the appointment of Curt Otaguro as the deputy superintendent of operations with an annual salary of $190,000, effective on or after August 22, 2022 and funded on a temporary basis as described in Hayashi’s memorandum dated August 18, 2022 (Barcarse/Arakaki). The motion carried with seven members present voting aye and one voting nay.

1. Late Public Testimony on Board Agenda Items

Corey Rosenlee, member of the public, testified on agenda item V.D, entitled “Board Action on appointment of deputy superintendent of strategy.” He emphasized that the Board owes the public more discussion when selecting two new deputy superintendents because in one motion the Board approved a position, salary, and an individual. Rosenlee noted that he would like the Board to ask the two new deputy superintendents about their authentic assessments of the current state of the Department.

Board Member Moriarty expressed understanding of the testimony submitted by Rosenlee and explained that the Board will review the performance of Hayashi. She stated that the deputy superintendents would work for the superintendent to bring ideas forward.

Kahea Faria, Aha Kauleo, testified on agenda item V.E, entitled “Board Action on appointment of deputy superintendent of operations.” She expressed support for Otaguro and shared that the new deputy superintendent positions will bring efficiency and support to the ranks in the public education system. Faria stated that the Department needs leadership to support the system.

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

1. Adjournment