STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

MINUTES

Thursday, June 18, 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 Ninth Supplementary Proclamation dated June 10, 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
Brian De Lima, Esq., Vice Chairperson
Kaimana Barcarse
Margaret Cox
Kili Namauʻu
Dwight Takeno
Kenneth Uemura
Bruce Voss, Esq.

EXCUSED:
Nolan Kawano
Captain Lyn Yatko (military representative)
Daniella White (student representative)

ALSO PRESENT:
Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent
Heidi Armstrong, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Student Support Services
Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Executive Secretary
Irina Dana, Secretary

I. Call to Order

Board of Education (“Board”) Chairperson Catherine Payne stated that the Board would be holding virtual meetings until further notice. She noted that the public could still call in or log on to listen to Board meetings live. She stated that the live broadcast is audio only for both Board members and the public. She noted that an image of the agenda will be shared on the screen, but that video of Board members and presenters would not be broadcast to reduce the amount of bandwidth that the meeting takes up and to preserve the quality of the audio.

The Board General Business Meeting was called to order by Board Chairperson Payne at 1:34 p.m.


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

Note: Written testimony was strongly encouraged. Anyone wishing to testify orally needed to sign up in advance and log in to WebEx. Testimony over the phone was not accepted. Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony. The following people provided remote oral testimony.

Name
Organization
Agenda Item
Position
Paul SolomonDepartment of Education IV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment
Genesis YoungNonviolent Communication for the Next GenerationIV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment
Andrea EshelmanHawaii State Teachers Association (“HSTA”)IV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment
David Litman Network for Nonviolent Communication IV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment
Corey RosenleeHSTAIV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment
Cheri NakamuraHEʻE Coalition IV.D. Board Action on Superintendent evaluation system process for the 2020-2021 school year and Superintendent job description
IV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements
Support/Comment
Matt LannisPublicIV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment
Kaleolani HanohanoHanohano ʻOhana IV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment

Paul Solomon, Department of Education (“Department”), testified on the Board’s resolution directing the Department to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year. He detailed that the current situation could be described as collective trauma and explained how current events could lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, substance use, anxiety, domestic violence, or child abuse. Solomon emphasized the importance of the Board and Department focusing on the emotional and psychological needs of students and staff members as schools reopen and that everyone needs to feel safe in addition to physically being safe. Solomon emphasized that the increase in stress could affect an individual’s ability to learn and concentrate and exacerbate emotional reactions in children. Solomon urged the Department to carefully plan and implement reopening plans and consider postponing the reopening of schools if the Department was not ready to reopen in August.

Genesis Young, Nonviolent Communication for the Next Generation, testified on the Board’s resolution directing the Department to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year. Young urged the Board and Department to support the psychological needs of students and staff as they returned to schools and detailed that many individuals have suffered stress due to current events. Young detailed that Nonviolent Communication for the Next Generation created trauma-informed suggestions and guidelines for reopening schools, including preparing staff prior to the start of school, focusing on the emotional needs of students, teaching social and emotional skills, encouraging collaboration, offering support, enhancing relationships, building trust, empowering grassroots, and being transparent.

Andrea Eshelman, HSTA, testified on the Board’s resolution directing the Department to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year. She detailed that Hawaii’s school system is slated to be the first in the nation to fully reopen and emphasized the importance of getting it right as reopening is considered a medium to high-risk situation. She emphasized that individuals need to be able to trust that they will be safe and that the Department needed to do all it could to mitigate risk. Eshelman detailed that polls show that a number of teachers are unlikely to return to the classroom and a percentage of parents are unlikely to send their children to school. She highlighted the importance of an instructional model that would allow families to keep their children at home and learn from a distance. Eshelman stated that the Department would need to plan for contingencies in the event that it experienced teacher shortages and noted that the Department would be unable to reopen schools if even ten percent of teachers did not report to their classrooms. She noted the importance of the Department implementing health and safety protocols and that reopening would be a failure if the Department were to not implement protocols with fidelity throughout the system. Eshelman stated that the Department’s current guidance is in conflict with the guidance of other health agencies and noted that it was only one-page whereas other school systems have released guidance in excess of 50 pages. She urged the Board to play an active role in decision-making and highlighted that HSTA would be ready to have discussions, address questions, and engage in collective bargaining.

David Litman, Network for Nonviolent Communication, testified on the Board’s resolution directing the Department to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year. He stated that individuals have experienced significant trauma during the pandemic and noted that teaching and learning could not occur if individuals continued to experience trauma. He urged the Department to implement mechanisms to address the emotional and psychological needs of teachers and students, including establishing circles in classrooms, allowing voices to be heard, allowing needs to be expressed, and focusing on community building within schools. He stated that the Department should use outside resources and tools when training teachers on addressing students’ emotional needs. Litman emphasized the importance of the Board and Department implementing a hybrid approach in order to safely reopen schools.

Corey Rosenlee, HSTA, testified on the Board’s resolution directing the Department to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year. He urged the Department to change its social distancing guidelines from three feet to six feet to align with the recommendations of other public health agencies. Rosenlee urged the Department to provide teachers with appropriate time and equipment in the event that teachers would need to return to a virtual learning environment. He stated that the Department should provide students with full distance learning options to address the concerns of parents and guardians who do not feel safe sending their children to schools. He noted that Hawaii has the highest rate of multigenerational homes and the Department should not be indifferent to the needs of families. Rosenlee detailed that some parents might opt to homeschool their children if they do not have the option of virtual learning which would result in a decrease in funds. Rosenlee stated that teachers would not continue to teach if they felt unsafe and would instead resign, retire, or request accommodations. He noted that the Department would be unable to fill positions with substitute teachers because most substitute teachers are retired teachers who are also vulnerable to COVID-19. He urged the Department to provide virtual learning alternatives for teachers with underlying health conditions or for teachers who care for family members with underlying health conditions. He further urged the Department to provide clear directions for reopening that emphasize health and safety.

Cheri Nakamura, HEʻE Coalition, testified in support of the Superintendent evaluation system process for the 2020-2021 school year, specifically the addition of strategic plan indicator targets. Nakamura also testified in support of the Board’s resolution directing the Department to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year. She commented that the Department’s current guidance for reopening schools was too broad. She emphasized the importance of the Department providing schools with flexibility but noted that schools and parents might be confused if there is huge variability in implementation. She suggested that the Board insert language regarding specific, clear, and sufficiently detailed school-level requirements for health and safety in its resolution. Nakamura noted that the Department’s guidance regarding social distancing is in conflict with the guidance of other public health agencies and asked the Department to provide an explanation for its social distancing requirements. Nakamura stated that the Board’s summer school resolution required the Department to provide the Board with weekly reports and asked for these reports to be made public.

Matt Lannis, member of the public, testified on the Board’s resolution directing the Department to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year. He emphasized the importance of the Department implementing a hybrid approach to provide students with both distance learning and in-person opportunities. He noted that many students have suffered stress and trauma as a result of the pandemic and emphasized the importance of a resilient approach to learning. He urged the Department to emphasize social-emotional support, provide staff and students with opportunities to be heard, and encourage collaboration. Lannis emphasized the importance of the Department contingency planning in the event it would need to close schools. He stated that distance learning should include mandatory attendance, grade level learning, exams, grades, and real-time classes. Lannis emphasized that resiliency as part of the curriculum would be vital to the ability of children to learn and adults to be effective teachers.

Kaleolani Hanohano, Hanohano ʻOhana, testified on the Board’s resolution directing the Department to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year. She stated that her concerns were deeply rooted in the care of intergenerational trauma and other marginalized communities in Hawaii. She detailed Ko Hawaiʻi paeʻâina articles from the 1800s regarding smallpox and described how smallpox killed and adversely affected native Hawaiian populations. She stated that these articles were relevant today, could be compared to today, and emphasized caring for schools and teachers.

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

Name
Organization
Agenda Item
Position
Jeanne IwashitaKaleiʻopuʻu Elementary SchoolIV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment
Herb Lee, Jr. Pacific American FoundationIV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment
Dyson CheePublicIV.D. Board Action on Superintendent evaluation system process for the 2020-2021 school year and Superintendent job description;
IV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements
Support/Comment
Leanne DunnMakawao Elementary SchoolIV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment
David MiyashiroHawaiiKidsCANIV.D. Board Action on Superintendent evaluation system process for the 2020-2021 school year and Superintendent job description;
IV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements
Support/Comment
Alex HarrisHarold K.L. Castle FoundationIV.D. Board Action on Superintendent evaluation system process for the 2020-2021 school year and Superintendent job description;
IV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements
Support/Comment
Cheri NakamuraHEʻE Coalition IV.D. Board Action on Superintendent evaluation system process for the 2020-2021 school year and Superintendent job description;
IV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements
Support/Comment
Andrea EshelmanHawaii State Teachers AssociationIV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Support/Comment
Kaira ReschPublicIV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment
Maria PricePublicIV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment
Jamie ToyofukuPublicIV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment
Genesis S. YoungNetwork for Nonviolent CommunicationIV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment
Paul GotelPublicIV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment
Martha Guinan, Ivalee SinclairSpecial Education Advisory CouncilIV.B. Board Action on Approving for Public Hearing Draft Amendments to Hawaii Administrative Rules, Chapter 8-27, Transportation of Students;
IV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements
Comment
Paula Adams, Jennifer MasutaniHawaiʻi Afterschool Alliance IV.F. Board Action on Board Resolution directing the Department of Education to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board of Education in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements Comment


III. Approval of Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2020

Board Chairperson Payne asked Board members to review the minutes of the June 4, 2020 General Business Meeting.

Board Member Margaret Cox moved to approve the General Business Meeting minutes of June 4, 2020. Board Vice Chairperson De Lima seconded.

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

ACTION: Motion to approve the General Business Meeting minutes of June 4, 2020 (Cox/De Lima). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


IV. Action Items
Note: Board Chairperson Payne took this agenda item after agenda item IV.E (regarding “Board Action on State Librarian evaluation process…”) but before agenda item IV.B (regarding “Board Action on Approving for Public Hearing…”).

Human Resources Committee Chairperson Dwight Takeno stated that the committee recommends that the Board approve the appointment of Brian Hallett as Assistant Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer of the Office of Fiscal Services. He detailed that the committee reviewed the Superintendent’s recommendation, the position description, and Hallett’s background and experience. He noted that Hallett addressed the committee and provided additional insight and clarity on his wealth of experience, networking, and professional development. He stated that the committee believes that he has the capability, experience, and leadership qualities required of the position.

Board Vice Chairperson De Lima highlighted that Hallett is an excellent candidate. He detailed that Hallett would provide the Board with necessary information and could help the Legislature in understanding the Department’s financial needs and operational plans. He added that Hallett could help the Legislature to understand what the Department needs in order to implement a strategic plan and improve student achievement.

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

ACTION: Motion to approve the appointment of Brian Hallett as Assistant Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer of the Office of Fiscal Services (Human Resources Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Heidi Armstrong, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Student Support Services, reviewed the Department’s request for the Board to approve for public hearing draft amendments to Hawaii Administrative Rules (“HAR”), Chapter 8-27, entitled “Transportation of Students.” She stated that the Department needs the Board’s approval to proceed with public hearing to ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and HAR Chapters 60 and 61. She detailed that the Department added new definitions and updated language. Additionally, the proposed amendments allow students with disabilities who attend charter schools to be eligible for school transportation if transportation is required as a related service pursuant to the student’s Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Plan. She noted that the Department would be implementing applicable revised requirements while its draft amendments pended approval. Armstrong detailed that the Department’s memorandum lists the conditions leading to the Department’s recommendation as well as arguments in support of the recommendation.

Board Vice Chairperson De Lima moved to approve for public hearing draft amendments to Hawaii Administrative Rules, Chapter 8-27, entitled “Transportation of Students,” as described in the Department’s memorandum dated June 18, 2020. Board Member Takeno seconded.

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

ACTION: Motion to approve for public hearing draft amendments to Hawaii Administrative Rules, Chapter 8-27, Transportation of Students, as described in the Department’s memorandum dated June 18, 2020 (De Lima/Takeno). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Chairperson Payne reviewed the School Community Council requests and noted that the waivers were submitted prior to the current crisis in anticipation of a normal school year. She stated that the Board would need to take action with the understanding that schools might need to make changes as calendars are affected.

Board Member Cox moved to approve all School Community Council requests for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy for School Year 2020-2021 for the schools listed and described in the memoranda dated June 18, 2020 from Board Chairperson Catherine Payne and Board designee Rodney Luke. Board Member Kaimana Barcarse seconded.

Board Chairperson Payne noted that the memorandum contains a spreadsheet indicating the purpose of each waiver.

Board Member Cox stated that she reviewed these waivers and they were general. She noted that the Board receives similar requests throughout the year and has approved similar waivers in the past.

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

ACTION: Motion to approve all School Community Council requests for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy for School Year 2020-2021 for the schools listed and described in the memoranda dated June 18, 2020 from Board Chairperson Catherine and Board designee Rodney Luke (Cox/Barcarse). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Chairperson Payne reviewed the Superintendent evaluation system process for the 2020-2021 school year and the Superintendent job description. She stated that the Board is expecting Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent, to lead during a health crisis. She noted that these are highly unusual circumstances that required refocusing priorities for the time being. Board Chairperson Payne noted that the evaluation system process and job description are meant for more normal times and these are not normal times.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that Board Members and Kishimoto suggested several changes to the evaluation system and one significant substantive change, which would add strategic plan indicator targets as a third component to the evaluation that would rate the Superintendent on progress on strategic plan indicator targets. Under this proposal, the Superintendent and Board would agree upon annual targets in advance, which would be based on the targets in the Department’s current strategic plan. The Board would review a snapshot of the progress made and determine whether the progress made makes it likely the Department will meet the targets in its strategic plan or not. She stated that the goal would be to be on-target for at least half the indicators, so an effective rating would require at least 50% of the indicators to be on-target. She noted that this third component was being proposed because it provides an opportunity to discuss system-wide progress and targets and connect them to discussions regarding the work the Superintendent is doing and prioritizing. Board Chairperson Payne stated that Kishimoto also requested that the evaluation timeline be modified so that the mid-year evaluation would be conducted in January instead of December.
Board Chairperson Payne stated that the suggested changes redlined against the current evaluation process are attached as Exhibit A in her memorandum. A clean copy is attached as Exhibit B. The current superintendent job description is attached as Exhibit C. There are no suggested changes because there have been no comments from Board Members or the Superintendent on the job description. Board Chairperson Payne recommended that the Board approve the suggested changes and adopt the process attached as Exhibit B in her memorandum.

Board Member Uemura moved to approve the revisions and adopt the revised Superintendent Evaluation Process, as described in Board Chairperson Catherine Payne’s memorandum dated June 18, 2020. Board Vice Chairperson De Lima seconded.

Board Member Uemura highlighted that Board Chairperson Payne’s memorandum was comprehensive in discussing suggested changes to the Superintendent evaluation system.

Board Member Kili Namauʻu asked for clarification regarding the introduction in the Superintendent evaluation document. She noted that the introduction only reflected two components and did not reflect the third component. She stated that Board Chairperson Payne would need to revise her memorandum to include the third component. Board Chairperson Payne stated that she would review her memorandum and make corrections if necessary.

Kishimoto stated that the Board has had discussions regarding the 14 strategic plan indicators and a need to revisit them relative to the strategic look forward. She stated that the Board had wanted to ensure that these were the indicators the Department could continue to measure and asked for clarity on how that conversation would occur relative to the 2020-2021 school year. She detailed that certain measures for the 2020-2021 school year would be affected because of COVID-19 and noted that Board Chairperson Payne’s memorandum references that the Smarter Balanced Assessment would not be administered as a consequence of COVID-19. She detailed that there may be an impact on chronic absenteeism and on school climate indicators based on significant feedback from students regarding their social and emotional needs. She requested to meet with Board Chairperson Payne or another appointed Board Member to revisit and discuss these indicators, including how to move forward in light of COVID-19.

Kishimoto detailed redlining on page eight for the third component. She stated that there were scales for all ratings except for the rating of “highly effective.” Kishimoto stated that it was unrealistic to meet 100% of all indicators in order to receive a rating of “highly effective.” She asked the Board to review and consider including a range relative to the other ranges for the other three ratings.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Board would review Kishimoto’s concerns and comments, including how COVID-19 might affect strategic plan indicators and whether there should be any additions or changes. She stated that the Board would also review consistency on the rating scale for all possible ratings. She noted that the Board would take these comments into consideration as it implemented the new evaluation system for this school year.

Board Vice Chairperson De Lima stated that he agreed with Kishimoto’s concerns regarding the rating scale and noted that it was not fair for the Board to expect Kishimoto to have 100% of indicators on track in order to receive a rating of “highly effective.” He noted that in terms of evaluation system processes, the Board always reviewed what was adopted if there were questions regarding the process or implementation. He stated that the Board has not yet adopted a strategic plan and there is more discussion to be had regarding indicators. Board Vice Chairperson De Lima emphasized that the Board is not wed to the evaluation system it adopts today and would adopt the evaluation system with the understanding that the Board would continue its discussions and possibly make revisions.

Board Chairperson Payne agreed that the Board would continue to review details once it identified the impacts of the current situation.

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

ACTION: Motion to approve the revisions and adopt the revised Superintendent Evaluation Process, as described in Board Chairperson Catherine Payne’s memorandum dated June 18, 2020 (Uemura/De Lima). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Note: Board Chairperson Payne took this agenda item after agenda item III (regarding “Approval of Meeting Minutes of…”) but before agenda item IV.A (regarding “Board Action on recommendation of Human Resources Committee concerning appointment…”).

Board Chairperson Payne reviewed the State Librarian evaluation system process for the 2020-2021 school year and the State Librarian job description. She noted that this is the first year that the Board has implemented its new State Librarian evaluation system. Board Chairperson Payne emphasized that this has not been a normal year and the upcoming year would not be normal as well but the Board developed this evaluation system under more normal circumstances. She stated that the Board modeled the State Librarian evaluation system after the Superintendent evaluation system and detailed alignments and differences.
Board Chairperson Payne stated that State Librarian Stacey Aldrich provided comments on the evaluation system during the school year 2019-2020 evaluation. Board Members did not have any comments. She noted that Aldrich requested clarification on Standard 3 (Board Governance and Policy) sub-standards because it was not clear how she would go about addressing this standard so it better fits her position. Aldrich also asked that her end-of-year evaluation be done in June instead of May to give her a full year to complete her priorities.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the timeline in Exhibit A was adjusted to reflect this change. The suggested changes redlined against the current evaluation process are shown in Exhibit A in her memorandum. A clean copy is attached as Exhibit B. The current State Librarian job description as Exhibit C. There are no suggested changes because there were no comments from Board Members or the State Librarian. Board Chairperson Payne recommended that the Board approve the suggested changes and adopt the process as Exhibit B in her memorandum.

Board Vice Chairperson De Lima moved to approve the revisions and adopt the revised State Librarian Evaluation Process, as described in Board Chairperson Catherine Payne’s memorandum dated June 18, 2020. Board Member Barcarse seconded.

Aldrich expressed appreciation for the changes and highlighted that the changes would ensure a smoother evaluation.

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

ACTION: Motion to approve the revisions and adopt the revised State Librarian Evaluation Process, as described in Board Chairperson Catherine Payne’s memorandum dated June 18, 2020 (De Lima/Barcarse). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Chairperson Payne reviewed the Board’s resolution directing the Department to prepare for the reopening of public schools for the 2020-2021 school year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic; urging the school communities to Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work Toward Togetherness; and authorizing Board Members to represent the Board in mid-term bargaining of collective bargaining agreements.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Department, education stakeholders, and the public are anticipating a reopening of schools at the start of the 2020-2021 school year. The proposed resolution is a way for the Board to provide “big picture” guidance to the Department of its expectations for the reopening of public schools in the 2020-2021 school year.

Board Chairperson Payne detailed that similar to the Board’s summer school resolution, she is proposing that the Board adopt another resolution to provide its guidance on school reopening and communicate its expectations to the Department and the public. She noted that a draft of the resolution was attached as Exhibit A in her memorandum. She explained that she opted to use a resolution as the vehicle again to establish an interim policy guidance document, which is less permanent than Board policies, tailored to the specific situation while still setting forth the Board’s positions. She noted that while she prefers a resolution as the vehicle, she urges Board Members to consider and deliberate on the contents to ensure it sets sensible policy guidance and sends a meaningful message.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the proposed resolution considers the feedback from Board Members at its last meeting as well as the questions and concerns from the public. The Board received 102 pieces of testimony before its meetings. The Board also received a little over 100 pieces of late testimony. She noted that she summarized the contents of the testimony in her memorandum since the Board did not see this testimony before its last meeting and was not able to discuss it.

Board Chairperson Payne acknowledged the absence of testimony from those who do not have access to the devices or connectivity required to submit testimony or participate in the public process. She emphasized that there is also the silence of those who cannot expend resources on engaging in this process because they are worried about feeding their families or getting evicted because they cannot pay rent. She urged the Board to be mindful of silent voices.

Board Chairperson Payne detailed that the proposed resolution encourages everyone to apply three principles: Give Hope, Act with Kindness, and Work toward Togetherness. She further detailed that the proposed resolution has four main priorities: (1) health and safety of students and staff; (2) students most vulnerable to school closures and disruptions to learning; (3) in-person instruction; and (4) student access to devices and connectivity. She stated that the reopening of schools would be implemented using two main vehicles, Department Instructional Mode Protocols and the Superintendent’s Guidance. She noted that the Superintendent would also provide the Board with a comprehensive plan and monthly reports with metrics to track the four priorities. She stated that Department schools and charter schools would use this resolution to guide implementation work following adoption if they so choose. She noted that the resolution was also a means to communicate to parents, guardians, the public, and educational stakeholders regarding the Board’s expectations for the reopening of public schools.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the resolution also authorizes Board Member Takeno to represent the Board in mid-term bargaining with the Hawaii Government Employees Association (“HGEA”) and Board Member Barcarse to represent the Board in mid-term bargaining with the HSTA.

Board Chairperson Payne recommended that the Board adopt the resolution attached to her memorandum, thereby approving the policies, directives, requests, and positions contained therein.

Board Vice Chairperson De Lima moved to adopt the resolution attached as Exhibit A to Board Chairperson Payne’s memorandum dated June 18, 2020. Board Member Cox seconded.

Board Vice Chairperson De Lima stated that the resolution details legitimate concerns that need to be addressed. He urged the Board and Department to accentuate the positive while addressing the needs of staff, students, and families. Board Vice Chairperson De Lima stated that he has always raised concerns regarding student achievement and the resolution addresses his concerns and assists students who are struggling. He encouraged the Board and Department to have a positive attitude and empathy for students who are struggling. Board Vice Chairperson De Lima noted that absenteeism and engagement are critical to success, proficiency, and graduation and emphasized the importance of the Board and Department focusing on chronic absenteeism and family engagement.

Board Member Cox emphasized the importance of the Department distinguishing between mandatory and flexible guidance as it moved forward with releasing guidance to schools. She suggested that the Board amend its resolution to add flexibility to the Board’s collective bargaining directive. Board Member Cox explained that she participated in collective bargaining as a Board Member in the past and oftentimes discussions move quickly. She noted that it would not always make sense for authorized Board Members to bring back agreements to the Board for a vote because the Board only meets once or twice per month and some discussions and agreements are time sensitive. She stated that authorized Board Members should attempt to bring back agreements to the Board for a vote prior to the Board executing the agreement but should also have the discretion to make decisions if there is no time to consult with the full Board.

Board Member Takeno emphasized the importance of health and safety requirements contained within the resolution. He stated that health and safety requirements were not flexible and could not be compromised so as to protect students and staff. Board Member Takeno stated that he agreed with HEʻE Coalition’s testimony and suggested amendments. He noted that the addition of “clear and sufficiently detailed” language would provide clarity. Board Member Takeno stated that the Department should develop guidance and procedures for schools to revert to distance learning at any given time if schools were unable to meet health and safety requirements until the situation was properly mediated. He emphasized that each school should have a comprehensive distance learning plan as a safety net.

Board Member Takeno noted that the Department’s guidance regarding instructional delivery should provide schools with flexibility and adaptability. He stated that each school is unique and guidance should not be one-size-fits-all. However, the Department should establish minimum expectations and desired outcomes in its guidance. Board Chairperson Payne commented that directives regarding guidance and distance learning were contained within the resolution. Board Member Takeno stated that the Department should implement target measurements while allowing a range for flexibility. He stated that he would like to see the Department include these details in its reports and plan.

Board Member Takeno emphasized that the resolution authorizes Board Member representatives to participate in mid-term bargaining but does not authorize Board Members to participate in successor contract negotiations. He stated that the topics for discussion during mid-term bargaining are limited to addressing the four components of this resolution that Board Chairperson Payne listed earlier. He noted that the resolution does not authorize discussions outside of this scope and the Board is not approving any such discussions to occur at this time, including those that may or may not address budgetary shortfalls. He stated that the Board recognizes that changes may incur in increases to payroll costs and requests that such matters be brought to the Board’s attention prior to any agreements being reached. He stated that the Board should have the opportunity to review increases to costs.

Board Chairperson Payne commented that the resolution specifically refers and is explicit that Board Members are authorized to participate in mid-term bargaining. Board Member Takeno stated that he understood that these details were contained in the resolution. However, he wanted to emphasize that the resolution authorizes topics to be discussed and the scope should not extend beyond these topics.

Board Member Cox stated that the Board only has a couple of months to address the various components contained within the resolution. She stated that it would make sense to add language to lines 330-333 clarifying that Board Members would bring back agreements whenever possible to provide Board Members with the authority to make decisions to ensure that bargaining agreements address the four main components of the resolution in the event that items are time sensitive. Board Member Cox stated that the Superintendent and Governor have a vote and the Board should have one as well.

Board Member Cox moved to amend the main motion by amending the Board’s resolution by amending the following paragraph (by adding the underlined text) to state, “BE IT FURTHER RESOLOVED that the Board directs Board Members Kaimana Barcarse and Dwight Takeno, whenever possible, to bring any negotiated mid-term changes to the current Unit 5 and Unit 6 collective bargaining agreements to the Board for a vote before the Board executes the agreement.” Board Vice Chairperson De Lima seconded.

Board Member Uemura stated that he does not believe that the Board should insert language to state “whenever possible” because this language would remove the authority of the full Board and water down the effects of the Board’s authority.

Board Member Cox explained that she suggested an amendment because the authorized Board Members may not have an opportunity to vote if items are time sensitive but they need to first bring agreements back to the full Board. She noted that the Superintendent and Governor would each get a vote but the Board would not. Board Chairperson Payne noted that Board Member Cox previously participated in negotiations and understands how quickly discussions can move.

Board Member Takeno stated that this situation is different because the Board Members are acting as representatives rather than participants. He noted that in previous negotiations Board Members acted as participants. He stated that he is open to Board Member Cox’s suggestion but does not know whether it is necessary.

Board Chairperson Payne called for a roll call vote on the secondary motion. The secondary motion carried with members Board Vice Chairperson De Lima, Board Members Cox, Namauʻu, Takeno, and Voss voting aye and Board Members Barcarse and Uemura voting nay.

Board Member Takeno moved to amend the main motion by amending the Board’s resolution by amending the following paragraph (by adding the underlined text) to state, “Specific, clear, and sufficiently detailed school-level requirements for ensuring clean and sanitary facilities and the health and safety of students and school personnel, as directed by Department of Health guidance.” Board Member Uemura seconded.

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

Board Member Voss commented on testimony advocating for a hybrid system that would combine in-person and distance learning. He noted that the Legislature substantially reduced the Department’s budget for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2020. He asked about the estimated cost of a hybrid system, whether it would be doable for the Department to implement a hybrid system and what the Department would need to cut from its budget if it were to move forward with a hybrid system. He asked if a hybrid system would be feasible within the Department’s existing resources and asked for estimated costs.

Kishimoto stated that the Department did not have clarity on its operating budget for the following fiscal year. She noted that the legislative session would resume on Monday and stated that the Department has had opportunities to speak with the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (“WAM”). The Department has a meeting with WAM in the near future and plans to discuss its different models that principals are currently vetting based on parent feedback. Kishimoto stated that the Department is reviewing preliminary data from its parent survey and detailed that it received 18,000 responses. She noted that only 14% of parents requested a distance learning model. The majority of parents submitted feedback encouraging the reopening of schools.

Kishimoto stated that the Department is reviewing how maximize its time to train staff, students, and parents on distance learning in the event that the Department would need to switch to blended learning or revert to full distance learning during the school year. She stated that the Department is reviewing a variety of models, including in-person models, blended models, and distance learning models. She noted that the Department is also reviewing possible balances based on its current staffing, needs of different areas, and uncertainty surround operating and federal funds. She stated that there are currently more unknowns than knowns but the Department is planning with certain assumptions.

Kishimoto stated that the Department would need to maximize in-person instruction based on current parent feedback and provide blended or distance learning models as options under the assumption that the Department has operating funds for 180 instructional days. She explained that the Department is still working through possible models. The Department’s goal is to finalize its plan to the greatest extent possible by next Friday, have its plan ready for the public by July 2, 2020, and share its plan with the Board shortly thereafter. She noted that the Department should have information to relay to the Board by that time regarding its discussions with the Legislature.

Kishimoto detailed that the Department does know that it has $53 million of base cost expenses to meet the demands of technology in order to be able to ensure students have devices and connectivity. She stated that she has been requesting these funds from the Legislature and Governor and hopes that the Department receives these funds through the CARES Act. Kishimoto estimated that the Department might need anywhere from $50 million or more to address additional safety needs, such as masks, cleaning, and safety features. She stated that the Department is attempting to balance models, capacity in terms of staff and classroom seats, and funds. She noted that the Department would need to prioritize funds first for health and safety and secondly for technology prior to allocating to other areas. She highlighted that the Department has already begun work surround health, safety, and technology. She noted that she is attempting to reflect the complexity of drafting plans with definite decisions while not having answers regarding the Department’s budget. Kishimoto stated that the Department plans to continue meeting with legislators and advocating for funds.

Board Member Voss stated that he understands the difficulties and uncertainties. However, the Department would have a better chance advocating for and receiving additional funds if it were to provide the Legislature with specific amounts that it would need for all of its options. Board Member Voss asked if the Department would be presenting its guidelines and requirements for schools to reopen in early July. He noted that testimony commented that schools need to know of the requirements to implement regarding physical spaces sooner rather than later.

Kishimoto detailed that she sent the Board a one-page document detailing all of the areas to be included within the Department’s reopening plan as part of her previous Board brief. She further detailed that each area includes links to seven major areas of decision-making and sub-areas. She stated that this demonstrates the level of detail that the Department will be providing to the public. Kishimoto noted that the Department is working on outward facing plans while simultaneously working on additional, extensive, internal details to share with principals, Complex Area Superintendents, and assistant superintendents. She stated that documents for schools consider specific scenarios, different geographical areas, and the unique needs of each school. She highlighted that the Department was working on a principal handbook as well. She explained that the handbook consisted of tri-level collaboration. Kishimoto stated that the one-page school reopening document approved by the Department of Health was intended to be parent friendly and present the parameters in which schools would need to stay. She noted that the Department is creating detailed documents regarding how to clean classrooms, health and safety requirements for all staff, soap and hand sanitizer availability, mask requirements, requirements for teachers working with students who are receiving special education services or who are medically fragile, and requirements for teachers who work with students who need close contact handling. She stated that all of these requirements would be available in the public-facing handbook and emphasized that there are multiple layers of safety guidance. The Department also has its original safety guidance from March regarding how to open and close schools. She noted that documents are currently not outward facing until they are finalized, but the Department would organize its documents similarly to how it organized the document attached to the Board brief.

Board Chairperson Payne emphasized the need for awareness of the trauma that students are experiencing. She stated that schools would need to be sensitive as they reopen. She emphasized the importance of acting with kindness, giving hope, and providing strategies to support families and children who are most in need, specifically counseling. She asked if Board members or Kishimoto had comments regarding adding more specific language to the Board’s resolution. She acknowledged that the Board listened to testimony regarding the importance of being sensitive to the trauma experienced by children, teachers, and parents. Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Board should be thoughtful of targets as it monitors the resolution. She stated that her understanding is that the Department is working on documents and would provide more specific information aligned with the Board’s expectations in early July.

Kishimoto emphasized the importance of comments and testimony regarding trauma-informed care. She noted that the Department’s tri-level team has discussed the importance of the first few weeks of school and the importance of monitoring how students are doing. She stated that some students might have heightened trauma due to returning to school while other students might have reduced anxieties if they are in a normalized environment. She stated that the Department’s approach will be to pay attention to each child and have a support team ready to address needs. Kishimoto detailed that this information would be included in the Department’s external document that would be available to the public by July 2. She noted that the Department created internal documents for service providers, including providers who manage counseling and support services and address long-term trauma and crisis. She stated that the Department would cross reference these documents so that the public is aware that these guidelines are in place in various documents, including its principal handbook and service provider handbook.

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

ACTION: Motion to adopt the resolution attached as Exhibit A to Board Chairperson Payne’s memorandum dated June 18, 2020 with amendments to the applicable paragraphs (by adding the underlined text) to state, (1) “Specific, clear, and sufficiently detailed school-level requirements for ensuring clean and sanitary facilities and the health and safety of students and school personnel, as directed by Department of Health guidance;” and (2) “BE IT FURTHER RESOLOVED that the Board directs Board Members Kaimana Barcarse and Dwight Takeno, whenever possible, to bring any negotiated mid-term changes to the current Unit 5 and Unit 6 collective bargaining agreements to the Board for a vote before the Board executes the agreement.” (De Lima/Cox). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


V. Adjournment

Board Chairperson Payne adjourned the meeting at 3:27 p.m.