STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
SPECIAL MEETING

MINUTES

Queen Liliuokalani Building
1390 Miller Street, Room 404
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Thursday, October 6, 2022

PRESENT:
Kaimana Barcarse, Vice Chairperson
Shanty Asher
Lynn Fallin
Ken Kuraya
Makana McClellan
Lauren Moriarty
Kili Namauʻu

EXCUSED:
Bruce Voss, Chairperson
Bill Arakaki

ALSO PRESENT:
Captain William Palmer II, Military Representative
Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian, Hawaii State Public Library System
Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Department of Education
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Executive Secretary
Lady Garrett, Secretary


I. Call to Order

Board Vice Chairperson Kaimana Barcarse called the Board of Education (“Board”) Special Meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Board Members Shanty Asher, Lynn Fallin, Ken Kuraya, Makana McClellan, Lauren Moriarty, and Kili Namau‘u were present.


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

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse called for public testimony.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item IV.A, entitled “Student Achievement Committee Report on: (1) Committee Action on Kindergarten entry assessment in accordance with Act 210 (2021).” She testified that asking the legislature to waive assessment requirements for Kaiapuni schools is a good idea and cautioned the Board against delegating kindergarten readiness assessment approval authority to the Department of Education (“Department”).

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item IV.B, entitled “Human Resource Committee Report on: (1) Committee Action on the state librarian evaluation system process and State Librarian Priorities for the 2022-2023 fiscal year; (2) Committee Action on the superintendent evaluation system process and Superintendent Priorities for the 2022-2023 school year; (3) Committee Action on authorizing consultation with unions regarding the updates to the Department’s annual plan of organization, updated as of June 30, 2022; (4) Presentation on Department's plan to address teacher salary equity and compression.” She expressed agreement with the recommendation for the superintendent’s priorities and noted that Hayashi should attend professional training on continuous improvement and that gaining public trust should be a superintendent priority.

Osa Tui, Hawaii State Teachers Association, testified on agenda item IV.B, entitled “Human Resource Committee Report on: (1) Committee Action on the state librarian evaluation system process and State Librarian Priorities for the 2022-2023 fiscal year; (2) Committee Action on the superintendent evaluation system process and Superintendent Priorities for the 2022-2023 school year; (3) Committee Action on authorizing consultation with unions regarding the updates to the Department’s annual plan of organization, updated as of June 30, 2022; (4) Presentation on Department's plan to address teacher salary equity and compression.” He stated that it has taken some time to address teacher salary equity and compression, but teachers are happy to finally be valued and respected and shared that there are still 400 teachers at the top of their pay scales who, unfortunately, do not feel as valued.

Jessica Caiazzo, member of the public, testified on agenda item VI.C, entitled “Board Action on Human Resources Committee recommendation concerning the superintendent evaluation system process and Superintendent Priorities for the 2022-2023 school year.” She stated that she met with Hayashi and has called his office every week since, but has not received a response, that sheriffs are called to escort her every time she comes to the building, and that Department staff mistreated her and a concerned parent.

Cynthia Bartlett, Moms for Liberty Honolulu County, testified on agenda item VI.B, entitled “Board Action on Human Resources Committee recommendation concerning the state librarian evaluation system process and State Librarian Priorities for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.” She expressed concern with sexually explicit books in school libraries and asked that the libraries consider having a mature section for these kinds of books, which would prevent conflicts between families and school administration.

Board members received written testimony before the meeting. (A listing of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting is included at the end of these minutes.)


III. Approval of Meeting Minutes of September 15, 2022 General Business Meeting; and September 15, 2022 Special Meeting

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse asked Board members to review the Board’s September 15, 2022 General Business Meeting and September 15, 2022 Special Meeting minutes.

Board Member Fallin moved to approve the Board’s September 15, 2022 General Business Meeting and September 15, 2022 Special Meeting minutes. Committee Member McClellan seconded.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse 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 Members Asher, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to approve the Board’s September 15, 2022 General Business Meeting and September 15, 2022 Special Meeting minutes (Fallin/McClellan). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


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

Board Member and Student Achievement Committee Chairperson Namau‘u reported that the Committee received a recommendation by the Department on the Kindergarten entry assessment in accordance with Act 210 (2021), which asked the Board to approve a tool for this process. She stated that the Kindergarten entry assessment needs to be approved in a short timeline since the law requires that the Department meet requirements by July 2023. Board Member and Student Achievement Committee Chairperson Namau‘u shared that during the committee’s discussion, several Board members raised issues relating to Kula Kaiapuni students. She stated that, as a result, the committee would recommend later today that the Board consider additional actions as a compromise so the Department can move forward while preserving options for Kula Kaiauni students.


Board Vice Chairperson and Human Resources Committee Chairperson Barcarse reported that the Committee took action on the state librarian evaluation system process and State Librarian Priorities for the 2022-2023 fiscal year and the superintendent evaluation system process and Superintendent Priorities for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. He also stated that the Committee received a recommendation to authorize the Department to consult with unions regarding any updates to the Department’s annual plan of organization as of June 30, 2022. Board Vice Chairperson and Human Resources Committee Chairperson Barcarse noted that following the action items, the Department provided a presentation on its plans to address teacher salary equity and compression.


Board Member and Commission Outcomes Committee Chairperson Fallin reported that the Committee reviewed and discussed the Board’s roles in relation to the Commission work plan submitted by Commission Chair Cathy Ikeda. She stated that the Committee discussed next steps and expectations including presenting a work plan to the full commission for review and approval prior to the Committee she stated that the next meeting would be February 2023.


Board Member Namau‘u reported that on September 21, 2022, she attended the Hawai‘i State Coalition for Community Schools Launch Event which provided a presentation on the value of community schools and the importance of innovation. She explained that the community schools shared about leadership practices, collaboration and other efforts in the system. Board Member Namau‘u shared that the coordinators shared about what is being done to support the concept of community schools and emphasized that there is great value in community schools.

Board Member Asher reported that on September 21, 2022, she also attended the Hawai‘i State Coalition for Community Schools Launch Event. She emphasized that the experience resonated with her when community school coordinators shared their stories about building bridges. Board Member Asher shared that one principal simply holds a sign when parents drop off students to help build relationships, which then provides parents with an opportunity to share any challenges.

Board Member Asher reported that on September 8, 2022, she attended the Complex Area Superintendent Visit to Helemano Elementary and Waialua Elementary Schools. She shared that during her visit she was welcomed by supportive and kind staff and learned about how the schools were able to use funds to purchase items not previously available to their school.

Board Member Moriarty asked to defer her report on her September 12, 2022, complex area superintendent visit to Barbers Point Elementary School to the next Board meeting.

Board Member Asher reported that on September 23, 2022, she attended the Superintendent Visit to Farrington High and Kalakaua Middle Schools. She stated that the school visit taught her about the eSports program which has also helped with attendance since schools were struggling to get students back to campus. Board Member Asher shared that schools are trying to be creative in using their federal funds and shared about the struggle of retaining teachers. She also stated that during her visit she was able to see a student garden and a new pathway with hands-on training for first responders with an actual ambulance onsite to help build capacity for students.

Board Member McClellan reported that on September 26, 2022, she attended the Superintendent Visit to Waikele Elementary, Waipahu Intermediate, and Palisades Elementary Schools. She highlighted that during the visit she was able to witness how social-emotional learning is happening in schools. Board Member McClellan also stated that she visited a school garden, meditation room, aquaponics, and cooking programs. She emphasized that all schools had career pathways and advocated that schools cannot expose students too early to these pathways. Board Member McClellan expressed appreciation and shared that the teachers and staff are really invested and committed to their students.


V. Public Testimony on Board Agenda Items

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse called for public testimony.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item VI.A, entitled “Board Action on Student Achievement Committee recommendation concerning Kindergarten entry assessment in accordance with Act 210 (2021).” She stated that the recommendation memorandum shows the five-year financial implications, but that it is important to know what is happening between each of those years and what the Department expects to accomplish.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item VI.C, entitled “Board Action on Human Resources Committee recommendation concerning the superintendent evaluation system process and Superintendent Priorities for the 2022-2023 school year.” She testified on the dangers of the drug known as fentanyl.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item VI.D, entitled “Board Action on Human Resources Committee recommendation concerning authorizing consultation with unions regarding the updates to the Department’s annual plan of organization, updated as of June 30, 2022.” She expressed understanding of the reason Human Resources Committee Chairperson and Vice Chairperson Barcarse stopped her oral testimony during the Human Resources Committee meeting.


VI. Action Items

Board Member and Student Achievement Committee Chairperson Namau‘u moved, on behalf of the Student Achievement Committee, to:
Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Members Asher, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to: The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Vice Chairperson and Human Resources Committee Chairperson Barcarse moved, on behalf of the Human Resources Committee, to approve the truncated state librarian evaluation system and State Librarian Priorities for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, attached as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, respectively, to Human Resources Committee Chairperson Barcarse’s memorandum dated October 6, 2022.

Board Member Moriarty moved to amend the main motion to include an evaluation of professional standards that are simplified rather than eliminate the professional standards from the truncated state librarian evaluation system. Board Member Kuraya seconded.

Board Member Moriarty clarified that she does not think there are any problems with Aldrich’s performance, but rather would like to raise the question towards the integrity of the evaluation process. She suggested that Aldrich provide an internal assessment related to professional standards and then the Board can determine if she met the standards.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse called for a roll call vote on the subsidiary motion to amend the main motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Members Asher, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

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

ACTION: Motion to approve the truncated state librarian evaluation system and State Librarian Priorities for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, attached as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, respectively, to Human Resources Committee Chairperson Barcarse’s memorandum dated October 6, 2022, with an amendment to include an evaluation of professional standards that are simplified rather than eliminate the professional standards from the truncated state librarian evaluation system. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Vice Chairperson and Human Resources Committee Chairperson Barcarse moved, on behalf of the Human Resources Committee, to approve the truncated superintendent evaluation system attached and Superintendent Priorities for the 2022-2023 school year as attached as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, respectively, to Human Resources Committee Chairperson Barcarse’s memorandum dated October 6, 2022.

Board Member Moriarty moved to amend the main motion to include an evaluation of professional standards that are simplified rather than eliminate the professional standards from the truncated superintendent evaluation system. Board Member Kuraya seconded.

Board Member Moriarty clarified that she does not think there are any problems with Hayashi’s performance, but rather raises her amendment in relation to the integrity of the process. She stated that without this change Hayashi would have led the public school system for two and a half years without receiving an evaluation from the Board with respect to his adherence to professional fitness standards.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse called for a roll call vote on the subsidiary motion to amend the main motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Members Asher, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

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

ACTION: Motion to approve the truncated superintendent evaluation system attached and Superintendent Priorities for the 2022-2023 school year as attached as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, respectively, to Human Resources Committee Chairperson Barcarse’s memorandum dated October 6, 2022, with an amendment to include an evaluation of professional standards that are simplified rather than eliminate the professional standards from the truncated superintendent evaluation system. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Vice Chairperson and Human Resources Committee Chairperson Barcarse moved, on behalf of the Human Resources Committee, to (1) authorize the Department to consult with the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and the United Public Workers regarding the updates to the Department’s Plan of Organization, updated as of June 30, 2022, as attached to Hayashi’s memorandum dated October 6, 2022; and (2) approve the Plan of Organization, updated as of June 30, 2022, provided that no significant changes are made during the consult and confer process.

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

ACTION: Motion to (1) authorize the Department to consult with the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and the United Public Workers regarding the updates to the Department’s Plan of Organization, updated as of June 30, 2022, as attached to Hayashi’s memorandum dated October 6, 2022; and (2) approve the Plan of Organization, updated as of June 30, 2022, provided that no significant changes are made during the consult and confer process (Human Resources Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Member Kuraya moved to designate Board Member Arakaki as the voting delegate and Board Member Fallin as the alternate delegate for NASBE’s 2022 Annual Conference and authorize the Board’s voting delegate or alternate to vote: (1) for Sarah Moore as NASBE Chair-elect; (2) For an individual nominated on the floor as Western Area Director at the discretion of the voting delegate or alternate; (3) For individuals nominated on the floor as the area representative and two at-large members for the Nominating Committee at the discretion of the voting delegate or alternate; (4) In favor of the proposed revisions to NASBE’s bylaws as shown in Exhibit B of Board Chairperson Bruce Voss’ memorandum dated October 6, 2022; and (5) In favor of proposed revisions to NASBE’s public education positions as shown in Exhibit C of Board Chairperson Bruce Voss’ memorandum dated October 6, 2022 on behalf of the Board. Board Member McClellan seconded.

Board Member Moriarty moved to amend the main motion to replace “For” in items 2 and 3 with “On the question of.” Board Member Kuraya seconded.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse called for a roll call vote on the subsidiary motion to amend the main motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Members Asher, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse expressed appreciation to Board Members Arakaki and Fallin for representing the Board at the upcoming NASBE annual conference.
Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse called for a roll call vote on the amended main motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Members Asher, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to designate Board Member Arakaki as the voting delegate and Board Member Fallin as the alternate delegate for NASBE’s 2022 Annual Conference and authorize the Board’s voting delegate or alternate to vote: (1) for Sarah Moore as NASBE Chair-elect; (2) On the question of an individual nominated on the floor as Western Area Director at the discretion of the voting delegate or alternate; (3) On the question of individuals nominated on the floor as the area representative and two at-large members for the Nominating Committee at the discretion of the voting delegate or alternate; (4) In favor of the proposed revisions to NASBE’s bylaws as shown in Exhibit B of Board Chairperson Bruce Voss’ memorandum dated October 6, 2022; and (5) In favor of proposed revisions to NASBE’s public education positions as shown in Exhibit C of Board Chairperson Bruce Voss’ memorandum dated October 6, 2022 on behalf of the Board. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


VII. Adjournment

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse adjourned the meeting at 2:29 p.m.

Name
Organization
Agenda Item
Sarah HofstadterHALE HawaiiIV.B. Student Achievement Committee Report on: (1) Committee Action on Kindergarten entry assessment in accordance with Act 210 (2021) and VI.D. Board Action on Human Resources Committee recommendation concerning authorizing consultation with unions regarding the updates to the Department of Education's (“Department”) annual plan of organization, updated as of June 30, 2022
Susan Pcola-DavisIV.B. Student Achievement Committee Report on: (1) Committee Action on Kindergarten entry assessment in accordance with Act 210 (2021); IV.C. Human Resource Committee Report on: (1) Committee Action on the state librarian evaluation system process and State Librarian Priorities for the 2022-2023 fiscal year; (2) Committee Action on the superintendent evaluation system process and Superintendent Priorities for the 2022-2023 school year; (3) Committee Action on authorizing consultation with unions regarding the updates to the Department of Education's (“Department”) annual plan of organization, updated as of June 30, 2022; (4) Presentation on Department's plan to address teacher salary equity and compression; VI.A. Board Action on Student Achievement Committee recommendation concerning Kindergarten entry assessment in accordance with Act 210 (2021); and VI.C. Board Action on Human Resources Committee recommendation concerning the superintendent evaluation system process and Superintendent Priorities for the 2022-2023 school year
Osa TuiHSTA PresidentIV.B. Human Resources Committee Report on: (4) Presentation on Department’s plan to address teacher salary equity and compression