STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

MINUTES

Thursday, November 19, 2020
*The Board did not meet at a physical location. As part of the response to the threat of COVID-19, Governor David Ige issued a Fourteenth Supplementary Proclamation dated October 13, 2020, suspending Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 92, Public Agency Meetings and Records, to the extent necessary to enable boards as defined in Section 92-2, to conduct meetings without any board members or members of the public physically present in the same location, among other things.

PRESENT:
Catherine Payne, Chairperson
Kenneth Uemura, Vice Chairperson
Shanty Asher
Kaimana Barcarse
Margaret Cox
Lynn Fallin
Kili Namauʻu
Dwight Takeno
Bruce Voss
Captain Lyn Yatko (military representative)
Hunter Harris (student representative)

EXCUSED:
None

ALSO PRESENT:
Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent
Rodney Luke, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Strategy, Innovation, and Performance
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Executive Secretary


I. Call to Order

Board Chairperson Catherine Payne called the Board of Education (“Board”) General Business Meeting to order at 1:32 p.m.


II. Executive Session
This portion of the meeting was closed under Section 92-4 and Section 92-5(a)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Board would need to move into executive session to consult with its attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the Board’s powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities concerning response to discovery request for Clarabal v. Department of Education of the State of Hawaiʻi.

Board Member Kaimana Barcarse moved to enter into executive session to consult with the Board’s attorney on the matter described on the agenda. Board Member Dwight Takeno seconded.

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

ACTION: Motion to move into executive session to consult with the Board’s attorney on the matter described on the agenda (Barcarse/Takeno). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.

The Board recessed at 1:34 p.m. and reconvened at 2:15 p.m.


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

Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony. The following people provided remote oral testimony.

Name
Organization
Agenda Item
Position
Rebecca ChangPublicVI.A. Presentation on school performance results for the 2019-2020 School YearComment
Susan Pcola-DavisVII.H. Board Action on Superintendent’s evaluation for the 2020-2021 School Year: Superintendent’s PrioritiesOppose
David MiyashiroHawaiiKidsCANV.A. Human Resource Committee Report on: (1) Presentation on Department of Education’s reorganization plan to preserve classroom instruction: temporary or permanent closure, consolidations, reorganization, restructuring, or merger of offices, programs, services, and positions; (2) Committee Action on compensation adjustments for Department of Education employees excluded from Bargaining Units 3 and 13Comment
Cheri NakamuraHui for Excellence in Education (HE‘E Coalition)VI.A. Presentation on school performance results for the 2019-2020 School Year
VII.H. Board Action on Superintendent’s evaluation for the 2020-2021 School Year: Superintendent’s Priorities
Comment/ Oppose
Caroline BatulePublicN/AComment

Rebecca Chang, parent at Kalaheo High School, read testimony on behalf of someone else regarding school performance results for the 2019-2020 school year and the reopening of school. She noted that the risk level in Kailua is low and stated that she is not sure why there is no detailed plan for returning to hybrid learning. She stated that the Department of Education (“Department”) should address this to prevent students from suffering.

Susan Pcola-Davis testified on the Superintendent Priorities. She stated that she opposed convening a permitted interaction group. She stated that the vital sign metrics should be the approved priorities, and if Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent, wants additional measures, she should change them to gap measures rather than numbers and percentages as proposed.

David Miyashiro, HawaiiKidsCAN, testified on the Human Resources Committee Report. He noted that transparency and prioritization is important, and the community needs to understand the Department’s budget. He stated that the data dashboard of vital sign metrics is necessary for families to have a clear plan of when students can go back to campus.

Cheri Nakamura, HE‘E Coalition, testified on school performance results for the 2019-2020 school year and the Superintendent Priorities. She stated a lot of information was missing from the school performance results due to the waiving of standardized testing, and she encouraged the Board to look at data currently available. She stated that the HE‘E Coalition is not in support of Kishimoto’s proposed Superintendent Priorities. Nakamura stated that the initiatives have merit but do not adequately measure the whole system and the 14 metrics use Promise Plan targets. She noted that it is appropriate to use objective and data-driven measures.

Caroline Batule, parent at Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School, testified that there is systematic discrimination in education. She stated that Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School brings students to campus for in-person learning based on arbitrary criteria. She stated that families of military personnel have an unfair preference.

Chairperson Payne stated that at the request of the Deputy Attorney General the Board would like to take agenda item VII.A. out of order to discuss Board action on the discovery request for Clarabal v. Department of Education of the State of Hawai‘i (Civil No. 14-1-002214). She stated that the Board consulted with its attorneys in the executive session portion of the meeting; however, the Board cannot take action in executive session in accordance with its Administrative Rules. She recommends that the Board approve as discussed.

Board Member Bruce Voss moved to approve the Board’s discovery responses in the Clarabal case in the form submitted to the Board by the attorney general’s office. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura seconded the motion.

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

ACTION: Motion to approve the discovery request for Clarabal v. Department of Education of the State of Hawai‘i (Civil No. 14-1-002214). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2020

Board Chairperson Payne asked Board members to review the minutes of the Board’s October 1, 2020 Special Meeting.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura moved to approve the Board’s meeting minutes of October 1, 2020. Board Member Barcarse seconded.

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


ACTION: Motion to approve the Special Meeting minutes of October 1, 2020 (Uemura/Barcarse). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


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

Human Resource (“HR”) Committee Chairperson Dwight Takeno reported that the Committee met with all members present and one excused earlier today. He stated that there was one discussion item on the Department’s reorganization plan to preserve classroom instruction. The final recommendation will be provided to the Department’s Leadership this month. The HR Committee expects a report from the Department in December for the state and complex area levels. The report will show two possible scenarios based on whether the Department can successfully negotiate collective bargaining adjustments and a second scenario based on what is currently known relating to the budget situation. The Committee also took action on compensation adjustments for Bargaining Units (“BU”) BU3 and BU13.

Committee Chairperson Uemura reported that the Finance and Infrastructure Committee (“FIC”) received a presentation and is recommending for approval the Hawaii State Public Library System’s (“HSPLS”) proposed budget for 2021-2023 fiscal biennium. FIC also discussed the Department’s proposed Repair & Maintenance (“R&M”) and Capital Improvement Program (“CIP”) projects list, the FIC has deferred action on these two items and will address at its upcoming meeting on December 3, 2020.

Board Chairperson Payne referenced her written report on the 2020 NASBE Annual Conference and New Member Institute, both of which were held virtually this year. She summarized the sessions that she attended and noted that one of the sessions was a powerful presentation that spoke to the critical connection between poverty and student achievement. She noted that four Board Members attended the New Member Institute and four attended the NASBE Annual Conference and invited each of member that participated to share their thoughts.

Board Member Kaimana Barcarse stated that he appreciated the opportunity to attend the New Member Institute. He stated that the event was a three-hour session, but that there was so much information that could have gone on for another three hours, if time allowed. He stated that the information shared was useful and an introduction to NASBE resources and networking opportunities. He expressed his appreciation for the conversation about using Board policy for leverage in conversations with the Legislature.

Board Member Lynn Fallin stated that her main priority was to participate in the New Member Institute to get more information on school board powers, and the Board speaking with a collective voice. She stated that she was also intrigued by the levers that the Board can use: power of policy, power to question, and power to convene. She stated that she was also very interested in the segment on parliamentary procedures.

Board Member Shanty Asher echoed the comments from her colleagues and stated that the New Member Institute was powerful and informative. She stated that it was great exposure to virtually meet individuals serving on state boards of education across the nation doing significant work. She stated that she was reminded about the important role Board Members play in serving and supporting students and their communities. She also detailed that learning from board members from other states was important, particularly as it related to direction, guidance, and policy.

Board Member Margaret Cox stated that of the annual conference sessions she attended were relevant to the Board’s current work, specifically discussions about whether the Department will implement standardized testing next spring, and if not, next fall at the latest. She stated that timing is important because no matter what is done, the Department needs to start planning now and it cannot wait until the last minute to try and figure out how to do testing. Board Member Cox stated that several principals have raised this issue with her because if schools are on a hybrid schedule, most of the second semester would have to be dedicated to testing so that there is enough time to test all students. She stated that principals would rather spend their time teaching students and not testing them and expressed her desire to have the Board suggest a plan regarding testing based on the recommendation in the session she attended.

Board Member Kili Namau‘u stated that she participated in the New Member Institute and the NASBE Annual Conference this year and that she attended the annual conference in person last year. She shared that it was refreshing to learn about all the different types of boards of education and to have the opportunity to network with board members from other states. She encouraged all Board Members to review the recordings of all the sessions, but in particular the keynote speakers and Professor Ibram Kendi who wrote, “How to Be an Antiracist” which talks about systemic racism as an issue in this country that impacts many people. Kendi spoke about the historical roots of disparity through his African American perspective and Board Member Namau‘u described the connection between his narrative and what happened to Native Hawaiians over the last 100 years. She shared that one quote that was extremely insightful for her was that “black children are treated like adults, and black adults are treated like children, why can’t we treat black children like children.” She stated that to move forward and address inequities, there are things that society can do immediately and collectively and that everyone is responsible for this. She stated that there were many ways to do this: investing in early education, expanding broadband connectivity, growing our own teachers (particularly to reflect the diversity of public school students), increasing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA”) completion, and guiding students to increase post-secondary education.


VI. Discussion Items
Board Chairperson Payne called on Rodney Luke, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Strategy, Innovation, and Performance, to present the Department of Education’s (“Department”) reorganization plan to preserve classroom instruction.

Superintendent Christian Kishimoto stated that the presentation will share the Strive HI Performance System (“Strive HI”) results for the 2020-2021 School Year (“SY”). She stated that the presentation usually occurs during the September or October timeframe; however, the Department focused on the Return to Learn metrics instead of the standard Strive HI metrics. She stated that the Department has good metrics for this school year to help track the success of student progress and she requested that the Board think of policies, financial conditions, and looking through an equity lens to meet the needs of all students. She explained that in November 2019 the Board held a data retreat and that members of the public participated. She encouraged the Board to consider holding data retreat again this year to have those rich conversations and to make this a standing meeting.

Assistant Superintendent (“AS”), Office of Strategy, Innovation, and Performance (“OSIP”) Rodney Luke shared school performance results for the 2019-2020 SY. He stated that annually the Department presents Strive HI results for the previous school year and they serves as a measure under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (“ESSA”). He stated that this year, the Department followed these guiding questions: (1) what the student performance data is telling us; (2) how the 2019-2020 SY data results look in comparison to prior years; and (3) what strategies support student success. He explained that Attachment B in the meeting material contains data tables and summaries to provide context for the 2020 results. He went through the contents of each table: Table 1 covers Academic Achievement and Gap, Table 2 covers English Language Learners and Inclusion of Special Education Students, Table 3 covers Chronic Absenteeism and School Climate, Table 4 covers Transition, Table 5 covers Advanced Placement and Dual Credit, Table 6 covers ESSA Determinations; and Table 7 covers Reports and Applicable Measures for ESSA report cards, ESSA Individual School Data, Strive HI, and Strategic Plan 2017-2020. Luke stated that due to the ongoing pandemic, the United States Department of Education granted the Department a waiver from certain statewide assessments and accountability requirements for the 2019-2020 SY, so the report only includes data points that were not impacted by the waiver. He stated that the Department will post the statewide snapshot and individual school Strive HI reports on its website upon the conclusion of today’s meeting. He added that although the Department was unable to administer many of the tests that would produce the data for the Strive HI metrics, a listing of the data that is available and historical data will be provided.

Luke stated that Table 1 reflects that student performance in English and Language Arts (“ELA”), Math, and Science show steady results. If testing was not cancelled in Spring of 2020, the results from the Science testing would have been used as a baseline since this would have been the first time tests were administered since the Department implemented its Next Generation Science Standards (“NGSS”). He noted the following: (1) Grade 9 grade on track jumped from between 90-91% in 2016 to 93% in 2020, one point short from the 94% target, (2) the percentage of students participating in a Career and Technical Education (“CTE”) Concentrator has consistently went up and is at 58% in 2020; (3) on-time high school graduation increased from 82% to 85%, which represents hundreds of additional students graduating on-time; (4) Table 2 (EL and inclusion of special education students) shows a 4% increase from the 2016 baseline; (5) Table 5 shows an increase in the percentage of Advanced Placement (“AP”) exams passed from 41% to 51%; (6) EL proficiency rates have decreased for two years in a row from 41% to 36%; however, he noted that it is the smallest high need sub group with the largest increase of students; (7) Table 3 shows chronic absenteeism has held steady at 15%; (8) Table 4 shows the college going rate has been steady at 55% for the past four years.

Luke explained that since testing in 2019-2020 SY was interrupted by the pandemic, correspondingly school identifications (ESSA requires schools to be identified for Comprehensive Support & Improvement (“CSI”) and Targeted Support and Improvement (“TSI”) were pushed back to Fall 2021.

Luke went over two strategies to support student success: accelerate, not remediate, curriculum and instruction and formative assessments to mitigate learning loss. He also described the Department’s next steps, including providing a robust teacher training program for all teachers during the summer of 2021, leveraging local business partners to fund the Department’s Digital Transformation for Learning Plan, and scheduling a data retreat to have conversations about equity and access to digital learning for all students

Board Chairperson Payne opened the floor to questions from Board Members. Board Member Fallin asked about chronic absenteeism and the guidelines for tracking and identifying students since every school seems to be doing it differently. Luke stated that if a student is absent 15 days or more, the student is considered chronically absent. He stated that schools need to take a systems approach and think about reaching out when students do not show up by calling the student’s home and establishing a point of contact, whether that is a teacher, counselor, or someone else.

Board Member Fallin asked whether there is a common system that every school should have so that there can be way to systematically address chronic absenteeism. Luke replied that it is a systems approach and that there is a mechanism where phones are programmed at the school level contact parents to let them know if their children are not in school that day. He stated that schools should also develop a partnership with parents and reinforce and value being in school daily. Board Member Fallin pointed out that the chronic absenteeism rate has been consistently around 15%, but the target is 7-9%, so this is clearly a problem that is not being addressed. She stated that the report provides examples of successful schools, but there is no indication of a statewide system that establishes common elements. Luke stated that the Department provides training as a system; provides access to Attendance Works; and provides infrastructure through the Longitudinal Data System (“LDS”), which provides real time data informing schools if students are reaching the chronic absenteeism rate. Board Member Fallin stated that Luke described a systems approach, but the Department does not provide schools with specific expectations system wide. Luke stated that the Department provides attendance guidelines across the system. Board Member Fallin confirmed that Luke was referencing the new attendance guidebook and asked whether it was currently being implemented. Luke stated that the Department has rolled out best practice training and that it has implemented part of the attendance guidebook.

Board Member Cox asked about assessments and if there is a new administration at the federal level, whether there is a way to get a testing waiver for the 2020-2021 school year. She expressed her fear that students are not learning as well under pandemic conditions as they would in person. She also stated that a school on Kauai was selected for National Assessment of Educational Progress (“NAEP”) testing and they are worried about how they will administer the test under these conditions. All of the middle and high school students are in distance learning so she asked where the Department is in having conversations with the United State Department of Education to find out what is happening with testing this year. She stated that the data from those assessments are important to assess learning loss and where students are academically. She asked whether assessments can be done online or whether they need to be done in person, but there are lots or questions at the school level that need to be addressed. Luke stated that the Department is continuing to monitor and converse with the United States Department of Education, but there is no testing waiver available at this time. He stated that in the meantime the Department is being proactive by using universal screeners to get a sense of where students are academically. He stated that the Department is looking at options, like administering a shorter version of the assessments, but that currently a testing waiver is not an option.

Board Member Cox asked whether it was possible to administer the test online. Luke stated that it was possible, but that the Department needs to assess test security. Board Member Cox stated that if students are only going to campus two days a week, that is a problem when it comes to testing, so principals want to know what they are supposed to do.

Board Member Bruce Voss stated that the universal screening data on the top of page 6 is alarming, particularly that for English Language Arts (“ELA”), 60% of students were 1-2 or more grade levels below. He asked whether there were any reasons, other than the pandemic this year that would explain why these numbers were so bad. Luke stated that he looked at past data, trends and patterns and that these numbers are pretty consistent with the past years. He clarified that usually universal screeners are administered at the beginning of the school year, middle of the school year (in December or January) and the end of the school year. Board Member Voss stated that if the normal situation is where 60-70% of students start the year 1-2 grade levels below, it does not appear to be a good starting point. He asked about the rate of learning loss this year. Luke stated that as he studies the data and has conversations with complex areas and their teams, those are some of the things discussed. He stated that he has even been thinking about the learning gap, but that he would not be able to make the inference that there was a pattern.



Board Chairperson Payne noted that the State Public Charter School Commission’s (“Commission”) annual report to the Board is in the meeting materials and that John Kim, Commission Chairperson, and PJ Foehr, Commission Interim Deputy Director, are available for questions. Board members did not have any questions.


VII. Action Items
Board Member Voss moved to approve discovery responses in Clarabal in the form presented to the Board in executive session. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura seconded.

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

ACTION: Motion to approve discovery responses in Clarabal in the form presented to the Board in executive session (Voss/Uemura). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

Board Member Takeno left at 3:30 p.m. (connectivity issues).

Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved the Human Resources Committee’s recommendation to approve the compensation adjustments for Department employees excluded from Hawaii Government Employees Association Bargaining Units 3 and 13 as described in Superintendent Christina Kishimoto’s memorandum dated November 19, 2020.

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

ACTION: Motion to approve the compensation adjustments for Department employees excluded from Hawaii Government Employees Association Bargaining Units 3 and 13 as described in Superintendent Christina Kishimoto’s memorandum dated November 19, 2020 (Human Resources Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Committee Chairperson Uemura moved the Finance and Infrastructure Committee’s recommendation to approve the Hawaii State Public Library System’s proposed budget for the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium as attached to State Librarian Stacey Aldrich’s memorandum dated November 19, 2020.

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

ACTION: Motion to approve the Hawaii State Public Library System’s proposed budget for the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium as attached to State Librarian Stacey Aldrich’s memorandum dated November 19, 2020 (Finance and Infrastructure Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Committee Chairperson Uemura noted that the Finance and Infrastructure Committee did not recommend any action on this agenda item.


Committee Chairperson Uemura noted that the Finance and Infrastructure Committee did not recommend any action on this agenda item.


Board Chairperson Payne called on Luke to present the Department’s recommendation regarding the multi-year school calendar. Luke stated that the Department was seeking Board approval of the calendars and welcomed any questions. There were no questions.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura moved to approve the school calendars for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years as attached to Superintendent Christina Kishimoto’s memorandum as Attachments A and B. Board Member Barcarse seconded.

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

ACTION: Motion to approve the school calendars for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years as attached to Superintendent Christina Kishimoto’s memorandum as Attachments A and B (Uemura/Barcarse). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Chairperson Payne referenced her memorandum describing her proposal for the 2021 Legislative Session, which is similar to the Board’s approach to the 2020 Legislative Session. She stated that she recommended the Board establish an investigative committee tasked with the duties described in the memorandum, and at a later Board meeting, establish an ad hoc committee to engage with the Legislature during the 2020 Legislative Session. She further stated that she recommended assigning Board Members Lynn Fallin, Kili Namauʻu, and Bruce Voss and herself to the investigative committee and that she would serve as the committee chairperson.

Board Member Barcarse moved to: Board Member Asher seconded.

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

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


Board Chairperson Payne called on Kishimoto to present her proposed Superintendent Priorities for the 2020-2021 superintendent evaluation.

Kishimoto presented on her three proposed priorities: (1) digital transformation for learning, (2) innovative strategies to improve literacy at all grade levels, and (3) modernizing the Department’s systems. She detailed that the digital transformation priority included decreasing the digital and connectivity gap, sustaining the Ohana Help Desk, continuing to provide professional development for teachers and staff to effectively deliver instruction virtually and in person, and to provide students with health access and care through telehealth.

She detailed that the innovative strategies to improve literacy is connected to the award of a $150 million literacy grant and that this year is a baseline year that will include rolling out the grant requirements and setting up the metrics that will be used to measure the success of this grant. She detailed the six indicators relating to this priority, which include the number and percentage of 5th, 8th, and 11th grade students who meet or exceed proficiency on state ELA assessments; the number and percentage of 3rd grade students who did not meet proficient on ELA assessment in 3rd grade, but met proficiency in 4th grade; the number and percentage of 3rd - 8th grade students who did not meet, nearly meet, or exceeded proficiency on state ELA assessments; and the change in the number and percentage of 3rd-8th and 11th grade students who do not meet, nearly meet, or exceed proficiency on state ELA assessments.

Kishimoto went on to detail her third priority to modernize the Department’s systems to allow for seamless operations and greater focus on students. She detailed the three areas of focus: training on the use of the new cloud based financial management system (“FMS”); the new cloud-based Longitudinal Education Information System; and launching the ClimbHI Bridge, which is an online portal for work-based learning and is a partnership with the Hawaii Executive Collaborative. Kishimoto stated that the purpose of the Superintendent Priority component is to provide her with the opportunity to identify significant and major projects underway to be considered as a part of the evaluation process.

Board Member Takeno returned at 3:50 p.m.

Board Member Voss moved to approve Superintendent Priorities 1 and 2, as described in Superintendent Kishimoto’s memorandum dated November 19, 2020, subject to the reformatting of their performance indicators to meet SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based) criteria. Board Member Fallin seconded. Board Chairperson Payne invited Board Members to ask questions.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura asked how the Board will handle the Superintendent Priorities from the 2019-2020 SY; she was not able to complete those priorities because of the pandemic. He stated that he believed that the priorities should be completed and should be included in her list of priorities this year. He also stated that he agreed with Priority 1 regarding digital transformation, but that he wanted Kishimoto to expand the priority. He further requested that all priorities be presented in a Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based (“SMART”) goal format. He shared his belief that Priorities 2 and 3 are too broad. Board Chairperson Payne stated that in her review of the minutes, she thought that one of the Superintendent’s Priorities was related to a priority from last year.

Kishimoto stated that the agreement was that she would not go back to last year’s priorities, but would set up new areas of focus because of the world change factor this year. She stated that the conversation was twofold: (1) SMART Goals and (2) her management of emergency situations over the last couple of years. Kishimoto stated that Board Members Cox and Voss both wanted to have a conversation around how the Board accounts for the management of the Department in these unusual situations, like mudslides, volcano eruptions, and now a pandemic. She stated that there have been discussions both ways around both SMART Goals and leadership in emergencies and that now she is looking at the next big push around the literacy agenda. She stated that she needs to look at how to push literacy to next level and the Department has a tremendous opportunity through the grant that was awarded under her leadership.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura stated that he wanted to push back on some of Kishimoto’s comments because the Board did ask her to complete her priorities from last school year. He quoted the minutes from the discussion about the Superintendent Priorities “Board Vice Chairperson Uemura stated that Kishimoto agreed to complete her priorities from the previous school year since she was not able to prior to her evaluation due to the pandemic and the Board asked Kishimoto to include her priorities from the previous school year in the upcoming school year.” He stated that this shows the Board did ask her to do that, but now she is saying that it did not. He also stated that he has asked that she prepare her priorities using the SMART goal format because the purpose is to assist the Board in evaluating her and determining how priorities are being completed. He concluded that he could not agree with explanation Kishimoto provided about prior year Superintendent Priorities and SMART goals.

Board Member Fallin commented on what Kishimoto presented. She stated that she spent a substantial amount of time looking at the metrics this year and the school reopening plan. She stated that reports about progress are key to determining success or ways to improve or strengthen what is being done. She stated that she is hopeful that Priority 1 helps the Board and Department to measure, through metrics the Board adopted, the progress made or lack thereof.

Board Member Voss expressed his appreciation for the work that went into the proposals and said that this is difficult because the first two priorities are very valid and well thought out. He went on to state, however, that if someone from the outside would listen to testimony from parents and read the Civil Beat articles about students who are disengaged and are struggling, they would wonder why these students are not one of the top priorities for Kishimoto. Kishimoto responded that she is being evaluated on metrics on student progress through Strive HI and the five leadership standards. She stated that she has to provide evidence on the Return to Learn metrics she worked on together with the Board the last couple of months. She expressed her belief that the conversation has changed a little bit about how the evaluation is being done and she stated that she believed that it would be helpful for the Board to form a permitted interaction group to sit down and talk to a couple of Board Members about all three components of the Superintendent evaluation process, not just the Superintendent Priority component. She stated that her first priority is the achievement gap and equity of access issues, but the Board has said that this was represented in other areas. She stated that the language can be converted into SMART goals if the Board is going to move forward with these priorities. She further stated that if the Board is going to roll back to use the priorities from the previous year, that is a change in the way the evaluation system is being used and a change in her ability for the past four years to define her own priorities. Kishimoto stated she is willing to do that, but that it would be valuable to talk to the Board about this.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura expressed his appreciation for Superintendent’s comments, but stated that he has been a Board Member for five years now and one of the disappointments has always been that the priorities are supposed to mutually agreed upon with the superintendent and while Kishimoto has her priorities, the Board has its priorities as well. He further stated that SMART goals are not a new thing; they just have not been followed in the past and Board Members have commented on this previously. He stated that if she would agree to convert the priorities to the SMART Goal format, that would be helpful. He stated that Priority 1 is good, but he was less sure about Priority 2, but he was not sure about the timeline. He stated that Priority 3 is something that she was already working on and he stated he would support Board Member Fallin’s request to get a priority that shows more results. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura stated that the Board conducts Kishimoto’s evaluation in public, so any discussion about the evaluation and priorities should also be done in public; a permitted interaction group is not the appropriate vehicle.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Board generally approved of Priority 1 at its meeting in July and she mentioned the possibility of a permitted interaction group, but none of that prevents the Board from discussing the priorities being proposed today.

Board Member Cox left at 4:04 p.m.

Board Member Takeno stated that Priority 1 is great to evaluate, but that he does not understand how to measure some of the indicators, like the Ohana Help Desk. He asked about the intent and purpose of the Ohana Help Desk, whether it is serving its purpose, if it is worth continuing, and if it is helpful. He asked how are these indicators going to measure whether the priority is being met.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that telehealth is measured by the number of students accessing the service, but she was not sure how we tell if it is a valuable resource and extent of utilization. She suggested that the Board could approve the broad priorities with the expectation that they will be rewritten into SMART goal format.

Board Member Barcarse Kaimana stated that he could support Priority 1 and Priority 2 in concept, but not Priority 3. He expressed his belief that it would be difficult to take action on the information as presented and rather than approving, he would prefer to defer action until the priorities can be presented in SMART goals format so Board members have a clear picture of what will be done and when.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura stated that he will be voting no on the priorities as they currently stands. He also stated that there are no priorities from last year, the priorities are not in SMART goal format and he does not agree with Priority 3.

Board Chairperson Payne asked whether Board Members wanted to consider approving two priorities. Kishimoto stated that two priorities are fine because after three years of evaluations, the system changes every year and with this year there were various conversations about what was carrying over and what was not and how to treat certain sections in light of the pandemic. She asked that the Board still have the permitted interaction group conversation with her because she does not have clarity on the evaluation and there is a difference in understanding. She emphasized the need to be crystal clear on metrics, how they are applied, and how the evaluation will be applied this year. She pointed out that the Board has already held two meetings and that she has still not gotten clarity on how parts of the evaluation will be treated. She reiterated that she wants to have this conversation with the permitted interaction group so that she can come back to the next meeting with this clarity. Board Chairperson Payne agreed that clarity is critical.

Board Member Namauʻu stated that she is hearing uncertainty on all sides and that she believed that the Board should form a permitted interaction group with the chairpersons of each of the standing committees serving as members. She stated that Kishimoto and all of the Board Members have been under a lot of stress and that the Board should make some accommodations to move this forward.

Board Member Takeno stated that the Board does not need to form a permitted interaction group and that he agreed with Board Vice Chairperson Uemura that if things are unclear, Kishimoto should seek clarification now. He also expressed his belief that he did not think circumstances have changed significantly, such that the Board is required to go back and look at changing its evaluation process. He stated that the evaluation is the same and that Kishimoto might not understand how she will be evaluated, but the Board can address those concerns right now. He stated that it is better for all Board Members can listen, participate, and engage in the discussion with Kishimoto to address any areas where there is confusion. Board Member Takeno expressed his belief that changing the evaluation process in the middle of the year potentially jeopardizes it and he encouraged the Board to have the conversation today or at another public Board meeting. Board Chairperson Payne clarified that the Board is considering taking action on the priorities; a discussion about a permitted interaction group would have to happen at another meeting. She stated that the expectation is that the priorities will be presented at another meeting, but maybe just two priorities instead of three.

Board Member Voss stated that Kishimoto made some valid points, but Board Members are still debating the leaves in the trees. He stated that most Board Members agree that Priority 1 and Priority 2 are valid and that SMART goals need to be inserted under these priorities. He suggested that the Board move forward with these two things and some direction so Kishimoto can move forward.

Board Member Voss moved to approve Priority 1 and Priority 2 and direct the Superintendent to come back to the Board with the evaluation components of Priority 1 and Priority 2 in SMART goal format. Board Member Fallin seconded the motion.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura stated that as the motion currently stands, he will be voting no because the motion does not take into consideration the prior year’s priorities and it was clearly stated in the Board’s minutes that they would be carried over to the current year. He reiterated his earlier statement that Superintendent Priorities are mutually agreed upon and that Board Member Fallin made a suggestion and that is not being considered. He further stated that the priorities should be presented in SMART goal format; it is not something that should be reviewed after the Board takes action.

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


VIII. Adjournment

Board Chairperson Payne adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.m.