EXCUSED:
None
ALSO PRESENT:
Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent
Phyllis Unebasami, Deputy Superintendent
Cynthia Covell, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Talent Management
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Executive Secretary
Lady Garrett, Secretary
Committee Chairperson Takeno stated that the Committee would need to move into executive session to consult with the Board of Education’s (“Board”) attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the Board’s powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities concerning a new superintendent employment contract.
Committee Vice Chairperson Kaimana Barcarse moved to enter into executive session to consult with the Board’s attorney on the matter described on the agenda. Committee Member Kenneth Uemura seconded.
Committee Chairperson Takeno asked if there were any objections to the motion. No Committee member raised objections, and the motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present (Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse, Committee Members Barcarse, Cox, Fallin, Namauʻu, Payne, Uemura, and Voss).
ACTION: Motion to move into executive session to consult with the Board’s attorney on the matter described on the agenda (Barcarse/Uemura). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.
The Committee recessed at 11:06 a.m. and reconvened at 11:35 a.m.
III. Approval of Meeting Minutes of December 17, 2020 and January 21, 2021
Committee Chairperson Takeno called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one provided oral testimony at this time.
Committee Chairperson Takeno asked Committee members to review the minutes of the Committee’s December 17, 2020 and January 21, 2021 meetings.
Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to approve the Committee’s meeting minutes of December 17, 2020 and January 21, 2021. Committee Member Uemura seconded.
Committee Chairperson Takeno asked if there were any objections to the motion. No Committee member raised objections, and the motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present (Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse, Committee Members Barcarse, Cox, Fallin, Namauʻu, Payne, Uemura, and Voss).
ACTION: Motion to approve the Human Resources Committee meeting minutes of December 17, 2020 and January 21, 2021 (Barcarse/Uemura). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.
IV. Recommendation for Action
Committee Chairperson Takeno called on Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent, to present the Department of Education’s (“Department”) recommendation concerning the appointment of the complex area superintendent for the Hana-Lahainaluna-Lanai-Molokai Complex Area.
Kishimoto introduced Dr. Rebecca Winkie as the candidate for the Hana-Lahainaluna-Lanai-Molokai Complex Area Superintendent (“CAS”) position. She stated that the current CAS Lindsay Ball will be retiring after thirty years of service.
Kishimoto stated that her memorandum outlined Winkie’s accomplishments, which align with the leadership skills and expectations of the leadership role and that Winkie is currently the principal at Princess Nahienaena Elementary School. Kishimoto explained that principals and complex area staff provided input during the search process for this position and the search committee was chaired by Phyllis Unebasami, Deputy Superintendent, and consisted of principals from Molokai, Lanai, and Maui as well as community members. She stated that the community provided valuable feedback that there was a desire to have someone who understands this unique community and who has a commitment and passion for equity with a focus on student outcomes.
Kishimoto stated that Winkie will serve in a Deputy CAS position for the rest of the second semester to serve as a transition into the CAS position.
Winkie stated she is happy to represent and advocate for the four unique communities (Hana, Lahainaluna, Lanai, and Molokai) comprising what is known as the canoe complex. She stated she has worked since 2003 on two islands in three the eleven complex area schools. She stated Ball has worked hard to foster strong relationships and bring everyone together to work more collaboratively in the complex.
Committee Member Margaret Cox moved to approve the appointment of Rebecca Winkie as the complex area superintendent for the Hana-Lahainaluna-Lanai-Molokai Complex Area, effective July 1, 2021. Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse seconded.
Committee Member Catherine Payne asked what Winkie sees as the most critical effort that will need to be made as she steps into a leadership role for this complex area. Winkie replied the number one priority to be addressed is equity and access , especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual instruction, and learning from home. She stated her number one priority is doing what is best for students.
Committee Member Payne asked what specific actions would be most helpful in addressing this concern. Winkie stated that due to the uniqueness of the canoe complex, a lot of traditional ways of doing things do not always serve the communities well and the Department needs to empower students and teachers to innovate because there is tremendous growth potential in these areas.
Committee Member Kili Namauʻu asked Winkie to share her experience working on Lanai. Winkie replied she arrived on Lanai in 2003 and joined the middle school as a teacher and registrar. Winkie stated that being on Lanai allowed her to realize the challenges and difficulties of being on a remote island and funding a K-12 school with a student enrollment of 700. She stated that these types of barriers provide opportunities to do something out of the ordinary.
Committee Member Namauʻu noted that this complex is unique due to the different communities it serves. She asked what experiences or highlights Winkie can share about working with Ke Kula Kaiapuni Hawaiian language immersion programs and how she plans to operate with other programs in this complex.
Winkie stated she did not have prior experience in Hawaiian language programs before coming to Princess Nahienaena Elementary School but that it is an awesome opportunity for students to be educated in the Hawaiian language.
Committee Member Namauʻu asked if Winkie is familiar with the Foundational and Administrative Framework for Kaiapuni Education (“FAFKE”) document and understood its contents. Winkie replied she has read FAFKE and it is a good tool for all principals and CASs.
Committee Member Lynn Fallin stated that she was happy to hear that Winkie’s number one priority is equity and access because this is also an area of Board responsibility. She asked what other measures the Department look at to understand success or progress. Winkie stated the key focus is how to increase student driven learning and student voice to set goals for the school year. She stated that opportunities like student-led conferences, exhibitions for learning, and project and placed based learning provide authentic learning experiences for students, which make them strive harder and be more excited about outcomes. She also stated that collaboration with the community will help to develop specific measures.
Committee Member Uemura stated the canoe complex is very important and he wants to make sure there the CAS advocates for smaller schools. He stated that the recommendation memorandum references skillsets and familiarity with the complex area, bt that Winkie’s resume does not align with the CAS position description. He stated he does not have enough information to support the recommendation and requested more details on the hiring process used to make the selection, such as how many candidates were considered, and how the candidate was selected. He noted that these questions were answered during the appointment process of the two previous CAS candidates. He also asked Winkie to align her experiences to the major duties and responsibilities of the CAS position.
Unebasami apologized for the lack of information, explained that she followed the previous CAS appointment recommendation memoranda, and that she does not want the lack of information to reflect poorly on Winkie. She stated there were 16 candidates that applied for the CAS position, the Department conducted a screening process and invited six candidates to an interview with the selection committee. She explained that the selection committee included the following: (1) Unebasami; (2) two neighbor island CASs; (3) principals from each island in the canoe complex (Maui, Molokai, and Lanai); (4) a community member from Hana; and (5) a community business partner. She also explained that the selection committee asked principals and the CASs to provide feedback on what things are important to know and pay attention to.
Committee Member Uemura stated that one of the questions an employer should always ask candidates is what are the issues and how will they be addressed. Unebasami replied that there is an expectation that the candidate will know and understand the unique challenges faced by the community, schools, and leaders who serve in this area.
Committee Member Uemura asked how many candidates were provided to Kishimoto from the six who were offered an interview from the selection committee. Unebasami replied that Kishimoto was provided with the entire package from the selection committee. She noted that while the selection committee asked her to express strongly to Kishimoto that Winkie was the best candidate for the position, the names of all candidates were forwarded to Kishimoto for consideration.
Committee Member Uemura asked whether the procedure was to submit all names to Kishimoto and the selection committee recommended one. Unebasami confirmed this and stated that all names were provided to Kishimoto and she selected the final candidate.
Committee Member Uemura asked Winkie how her resume aligns to the CAS position description. Winkie replied one area is executive leadership for student achievement; while she has not served in a CAS role she was involved with leading Princess Nahienaena Elementary School through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (“WASC”) accreditation review process to identify areas of growth, what needed to be improved and concrete steps for moving forward. She stated that the school was awarded the highest level a school can get, a six year accreditation. Winkie stated that during the WASC process staff worked on including a school-wide response to intervention by setting up data teams for each grade level and reviewing assessments. She stated another example is accountable empowerment of schools and coming from the school level she participates in academic and financial plans and quarterly reviews. Winkie stated other areas include the accountability system in which the school community council shares the academic and financial plan for community input. She stated she has been on the receiving end of feedback and performance evaluations which provide support and professional development opportunities. Winkie stated that as CAS she will surround herself with qualified and talented individuals who can help move the vision forward. She noted the last area is operational leadership and that she has a strong moral compass and makes ethical decisions to follow policy.
Committee Chairperson Takeno requested to continue discussions at the general business meeting due to the amount of time left for the committee meeting.
Committee Member Cox requested to withdraw her motion. Committee Chairperson Takeno asked if there was any objection to withdraw the motion. There were no objections, and the motion was withdrawn.
Committee Member Payne moved to refer the matter to the general board meeting for further discussion and action. Committee Member Uemura seconded.
Committee Chairperson Takeno asked if there were any objections to motion. No Committee member raised objections, and the motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present (Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse, Committee Members Barcarse, Cox, Fallin, Namauʻu, Payne, Uemura, and Voss).
ACTION: Motion to refer the matter to the general board meeting for further discussion and action (Payne/Uemura). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.
B. Committee Action on recommendation concerning declaration of annual reduction in force ("RIF") for classified employees to initiate collectively bargained placement rights for employees displaced due to changes in staffing needs
Committee Chairperson Takeno called for public testimony on this agenda item.
Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified in opposition to the annual reduction in force. She stated that it was her understanding federal funds will go to schools, asked why 103 employees will still be affected by the RIF, and asked that the Board postpone decision-making.
Sanford Chun, Hawaii Government Employees Association (“HGEA”), testified on behalf of Randy Perreira in opposition to the recommendation to authorize a RIF for classified employees whose positions will not be funded for School Year 2021-2022. He stated HGEA understands this authorization request occurs annually; however, the information the Department provided on the budget reduction is not accurate and current so he urged the Board to update the recommendation before taking action on the agenda item.
Committee Chairperson Takeno called on Cynthia Covell, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Talent Management, to present the Department’s recommendation concerning the declaration of the annual reduction in force for classified employees to initiate collectively bargained placement rights for employees displaced due to changes in staffing needs.
Covell stated that the Department is requesting authorization to conduct the RIF for classified positions which will not be funded in School Year 2021-2022. She explained that the Department has updated information and that the memorandum was done one week prior to meeting and that since that time the Department’s budget reduction was reduced from ten percent to one percent. Covell stated that principals had some time to revisit financial plans, so some of these positions have been restored. She explained that as of today there are 60 individuals identified for the RIF based on enrollment, principal priorities, and moving funding based around the work that is necessary.
Covell stated that the Department expects to restore positions from the funds that will go back to schools with the hope to place those affected. She explained that for state level, positions were not restored and for the Executive Office of Early Learning (“EOEL”), two positions are waiting for the legislative process to conclude and could end up being restored. Covell stated that of those 60 individuals identified for the RIF, the Department would like to start the timeline to begin the process to place them and be notified by April 1, 2021.
Committee Member Payne asked for clarification of whether individuals have a chance to return to their former positions, be placed into other positions, or be moved permanently. Covell replied that it will depend on the timing because if the employee’s original position is not restored and the employee looks for a new position, the employee will stay in the new position. She stated that at any time during the process between April 1 and June 30, if the Department gets an indication on adequate funding the RIF notice can be rescinded.
Committee Member Uemura asked for the amount that is needed to fund the positions that are listed for a RIF for one month. Covell replied the estimate depends on seniority and the amount would be within the $3,000-$5,000 range per position, per month.
Committee Member Uemura stated a funding issue is different from a need issue and that the Board should know this information. He asked if the 99 percent includes employees who have bumping rights. Covell replied that the 99 percent from last year’s RIF were placed into vacant positions and explained that if the employee is offered a position and turns it down then they can choose not to work with the Department.
Committee Member Uemura echoed comments to delay as long as possible and requested to see the breakdown of the basis for the RIF for each position and the exact number of positions in jeopardy.
Committee Chairperson Takeno called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried with Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Committee Members Fallin, Namau’u, Payne, and Voss voting aye and Committee Members Cox and Uemura voting nay.
ACTION: Motion to authorize the Department to commence a reduction in force for classified employees whose positions will not be funded in the 2021-2022 school year due to lack of work, need, or funds, as described in Kishimoto’s memorandum dated March 4, 2021 (Payne/Namau’u). The motion carried with five Committee members voting aye and two Committee members voting nay.
C. Committee Action on recommendation concerning compensation adjustments for Department of Education employees excluded from Bargaining Unit 13: Unit 35 (excluded managerial)
Committee Chairperson Takeno called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one provided oral testimony at this time.
Committee Chairperson Takeno called on Covell to present the Department’s recommendation concerning compensation adjustments for Department employees excluded from Bargaining Unit 13, coded as Bargaining Unit 35.
Covell stated that the Department is asking for Board approval for Department employees excluded from Bargaining Unit 13, coded as Bargaining Unit 35. She stated that compensation adjustments total $170,000 for these positions.
Committee Member Payne moved to approve the salary updates, compensation adjustments, and tentative agreements for Excluded Managerial Compensation Plan employees excluded from Bargaining Unit 13 and coded as Bargaining Unit 35, as described in Kishimoto’s memorandum, dated March 4, 2021, with a retroactive effective date of July 1, 2019. Committee Member Cox seconded.
Committee Member Payne explained this is a corrective action that was not taken in the summer so these employees have not received the pay raises given to others. Covell replied the timing was different because the agreements and funding through the legislature did not come through at the normal time and the first group was issued in November. Al are retroactive adjustments since the normal process is that it is approved every four years, but this one is two years.
Committee Chairperson Takeno called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse, Committee Members Barcarse, Cox, Fallin, Namauʻu, Payne, Uemura, and Voss).
ACTION: Motion to approve the salary updates, compensation adjustments, and tentative agreements for Excluded Managerial Compensation Plan employees excluded from Bargaining Unit 13 and coded as Bargaining Unit 35, as described in Kishimoto’s memorandum, dated March 4, 2021, with a retroactive effective date of July 1, 2019 (Payne/Cox). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.
D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract
Committee Chairperson Takeno noted that the Committee only consulted with the Board’s attorney on legal matters related to the superintendent employment contract. He stated that the Committee did not discuss what action it would take or individual members’ positions on the matter. He emphasized that the Committee did not predetermine its course of action.
Committee Chairperson Takeno called for public testimony on this agenda item.
Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified in opposition to offering Kishimoto a new employment contract and stated that she should be replaced.
Rebecca Hadley-Schlosser, member of the public, testified and urged the Board not to give Kishimoto a new contract and noted Kishimoto does not care about employees as shown by her insufficient plans to ensure safety, attempt to discontinue teacher differentials, and hastily thrown together trainings at the beginning of the school year.
Derek Minakami, HGEA, testified that Department employees in the past have asked that their voices be included in decisions that affect keeping staff safe and for clear and consistent direction to all schools. He expressed appreciation to empower school leaders but when it comes to health and safety there should be much variability. He noted that the lack of consistency has resulted in reopening being announced to the public without input from principals.
Cheri Nakamura, HE‘E Coalition, testified that HE‘E Coalition is not in support of a new contract for Kishimoto because Kishimoto had an opportunity to rise to the challenge and provide leadership to get the schools through the crisis but did not. She stated that Kishimoto has lost the trust of the community, teachers, and principals and that if there is no confidence our students will ultimately suffer.
Julie Reyes Oda, Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, testified she is conflicted and expressed appreciation for Kishimoto’s service. She stated that this discussion has exposed hard truths and how the power of one person can have an impact on the state and asked that the Board not renew Kishimoto’s contract.
Corey Rosenlee, Hawaii State Teachers Association (“HSTA”), testified it is never easy to suggest a contract should not be renewed and the HSTA Board of Directors voted unanimously to ask the Board not to renew Kishimoto’s contract. He expressed appreciation to the Board for numerous actions to overturn Kishimoto’s decisions, especially the recent memorandum overturning of teacher differentials.
Mike Landes, HSTA, testified he would like to ask that the Board not offer a new employment contract to Kishimoto. He stated that trust has been broken time and time again and that there are consistent concerns.
Caroline Freudig, HSTA, testified she would like to ask the Board not to renew the employment contract for Kishimoto.
Shirley Yamauchi, Kapolei Middle School, testified she is asking the Board not to renew the contract for Kishimoto. She asked previously for a response from Kishimoto on what would happen to three multi-track schools and has not received any response.
Committee Member Payne moved to defer this item to a meeting in the near future to have more time for Board discussion. Committee Member Namau’u seconded.
Committee Member Payne stated this is a critical topic and that the Board needs to have time to discuss the agenda item and process some of the information. She stated that she does not want to show a lack of respect for testifiers but that the Board has a responsibility to hold a thorough discussion in the near future.
Committee Member Cox requested a date to make sure the Board is aware of when this topic will be discussed.
Committee Member Payne stated that the discussion will take place no later than March 15, 2021, depending on quorum.
Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse asked if discussions can be continued at the general business meeting.
Committee Member Payne stated that the discussions require more time and she respectfully requests a meeting to be no more than two weeks from today to thoughtfully approach the decision.
Committee Member Payne requested to withdraw her motion. Committee Chairperson Takeno asked if there was any objection to withdraw the motion. There were no objections, and the motion was withdrawn.
Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to refer action on a new superintendent employment contract to a meeting of the full Board to take place no later than March 18, 2021, provided that no less than eight Board members attend. Committee Member Payne seconded.
Committee Chairperson Takeno called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Committee Vice Chairperson Barcarse, Committee Members Barcarse, Cox, Fallin, Namauʻu, Payne, Uemura, and Voss).
ACTION: Motion to refer action on a new superintendent employment contract to a meeting of the full Board to take place no later than March 18, 2021, provided that no less than eight Board members attend (Barcarse/Payne).The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.
V. Late Public Testimony on Board Agenda Items
Committee Chairperson Takeno called for public testimony from any individuals who did not have an opportunity to testify on earlier agenda items. No one provided oral testimony at this time.
Committee members received written testimony before the meeting. The following is a listing of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting.
Name | Organization | Agenda Item |
| Jim Shon | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Angela M | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Ted Ellis | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| P. Ku‘aki | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| AZ Warned | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Susan Pcola-Davis | V. B. Committee Action on recommendation concerning declaration of annual reduction in force ("RIF") for classified employees to initiate collectively bargained placement rights for employees displaced due to changes in staffing needs | |
| Joy Bulosan | HGEA | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract |
| Kelly Duell | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Blaine Stuart | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Corey Rosenlee | HSTA | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract |
| Inga Park Okuna | HSTA | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract |
| Shirley Yamauchi | HSTA | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract |
| Jodi Beaty | HSTA | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract |
| Edwin Kagawa | HSTA | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract |
| Jill Jacobs | HSTA | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract |
| Romeo Eleno | HSTA | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract |
| Mike Landes | HSTA | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract |
| Caroline Freudig | HSTA | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract |
| Cheri Nakamura | HE'E Coalition | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract |
| Sienna Makarewicz | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Heather Moselle | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Kileigh Sanchez | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Susan Pcola-Davis | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Amy Ogasawara | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Kekoa Bay | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Randy Perreira | HGEA | V. B. Committee Action on recommendation concerning declaration of annual reduction in force ("RIF") for classified employees to initiate collectively bargained placement rights for employees displaced due to changes in staffing needs |
| Rebecca Hadley-Schlosser | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Cheryl Burghardt | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Glen Iwamoto | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Ted Dintersmith | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Joshua Reppun | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Debbie Anderson | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Warren Hyde | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract | |
| Sly Clutch | CAS Winkie | |
| Dan Kouchi | UPW | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract |
| Lisa Jaber | IV. D. Committee Action on recommendation concerning new Superintendent Employment Contract |
Committee Chairperson Takeno adjourned the meeting at 1:41 p.m.