STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

MINUTES

Queen Liliuokalani Building
1390 Miller Street, Room 404
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Thursday, September 19, 2019

PRESENT:
Catherine Payne, Chairperson
Kaimana Barcarse
Margaret Cox
Nolan Kawano
Kili Namauʻu
Dwight Takeno
Kenneth Uemura
Bruce Voss, Esq.
Daniella White (student representative)

EXCUSED:
Brian De Lima, Esq., Vice Chairperson
Captain Lyn Hammer (military representative)

ALSO PRESENT:
Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Board Private Secretary
Irina Dana, Secretary


I. Call to Order

The Board of Education (“Board”) General Business Meeting was called to order by Board Chairperson Catherine Payne at 2:02 p.m.


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

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

Name
Organization
Agenda Item
Position
Cheri NakamuraEquity in Education AdvocatesIV.D. Superintendent's Report: (1) September 2019 Hoʻohaʻaheo, public school proud newsletter; (2) update on school visits; (3) update on the development of a 10-year Board of Education and Department of Education Strategic Plan, The Power and Promise of Public Education: Focus on Phase II input; (4) update on Every Student Succeeds Act ("ESSA") Plan Amendment Comment
Jennifer Luke-Payne Kaʻaʻawa Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsComment
Alexandra ObraWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose/
Comment
Matt HoCastle-Kahuku Complex AreaVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsComment

Cheri Nakamura, representing a group of equity in education advocates, testified on the 2020-2030 Strategic Plan planning process and the Every Student Succeeds Act (“ESSA”) Plan amendment and stood on her written testimony. She expressed concern that the Department of Education (“Department”) does not list information regarding subgroups in its list of Targeted Support Improvement (“TSI”) schools. Nakamura asked the Department to identify which subgroups underperform in TSI schools, explain what the Department is doing to address underperformance, and provide the status of improvement or lack of improvement.

Jennifer Luke-Payne, Kaʻaʻawa Elementary School Principal, testified on her concerns on the recommendations of the Committee on Weights (“COW”) XI. She expressed concern that the Department does not allocate funds equally to neighbor islands. She expressed further concern regarding small school thresholds and noted that school closures or school consolidations could negatively affect communities.

Alexandra Obra, Waiâhole Elementary School Principal, testified on her concerns on the recommendations of COW XI. She expressed concern regarding the establishment of a threshold enrollment count and highlighted the benefits of small schools.

Matt Ho, Castle-Kahuku Complex Area Superintendent, testified on his concerns regarding the recommendations of COW XI. He noted that COW XI did not provide a definition for what constitutes a small school and stated that definitions are important for threshold determinations. He stated that the Department should consider other options prior to consolidating or closing a small school, such as additional weights or fund restructuring. He stated that the Department’s facilities master plan recommends various options over closure or consolidation and noted consolidation or closure would negatively affect communities.

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

Name
Organization
Agenda Item
Position
Jennifer Luke-PayneKaʻaʻawa Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Sharon (Matayoshi) TakamoriPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Norman SadoyamaPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Brittany HopkinsPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Alexandra ObraWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Amarilis AcevedoWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Emily AlagoWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Pamela AloWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Julieta Antone-NagataPubilcVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Shannah-Li Brown-SantiagoWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Carlo CarusoPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Darryl Chun, Jeffrey Lapilio, Ryan Nekonishi, Cheryl Kim, Molly O’DellWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Holly deMelloPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Uʻi GohierWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Lisha HendrickWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Noe KahalepunaPublic VII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Joelyn KainaWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Shane Toshio KumashiroWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Michelle KaneyukiWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Donna KawasakiWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Brian LewisPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Sheila ManuelWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Penny RapozaWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Theresa Rayco, Colette MizunoWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Mikilani Keohokalole Tupuola Waiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Christine WilkinsonPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Jacqueline YanagiWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Tamar BeeKaʻaʻawa Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Davelani JohnsonPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Lucy SalasPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Keith JohnsonPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Kanani IoanePublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Jason IoanePublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Melvin IgePublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Aliyah JohnsonPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Staci K. ShiromaKaʻaʻawa Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Matthew HoCastle-Kahuku Complex AreaVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose/
Comment
Nikki MorishigeWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Vivien Lee, Charlie ReppunPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Laurence UyemuraWaiâhole -Waikaâne Community AssociationVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Melissa DrewWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Patrick Dumadag, Roxanne DumadagPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Chriselda LopesWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Shelby FernandezPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Albert BadiyoPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Patricia RoyosPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Lisa McFarlanePublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Inga HalasPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Mary KupauPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Darrell ManaloPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Zaudia CheePublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Various StudentsKaʻaʻawa Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose/
Comment
Hilary WhiteKaʻaʻawa Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsComment
Nicole TamashiroWaiâhole Elementary SchoolVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Pauline YoshizumiPublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Michael Kirk-KuwayePublicVII.C. Board Action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendations concerning recommendations of the Committee on Weights XI regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School YearsOppose
Martha Guinan, Patricia Halagao, Gavin Thornton, Cheri Nakamura, Paula Adams, David Miyashiro, William “Pila” Wilson, Deborah ZysmanEquity in Education Advocates, Special Education Advisory Council, Hawaiʻi Appleseed, HEʻE Coalition, Hawaiʻi Afterschool Alliance, HawaiiKidsCAN, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action NetworkIV.D. Superintendent's Report: (1) September 2019 Hoʻohaʻaheo, public school proud newsletter; (2) update on school visits; (3) update on the development of a 10-year Board of Education and Department of Education Strategic Plan, The Power and Promise of Public Education: Focus on Phase II input; (4) update on Every Student Succeeds Act ("ESSA") Plan Amendment Comment


III. Approval of Meeting Minutes of September 5, 2019

ACTION: Motion to approve the General Business Meeting minutes of September 5, 2019, and the General Business Meeting Executive Session minutes of September 5, 2019 (Uemura/Barcarse). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


IV. Reports of Board Committees, Board Members, and Superintendent
Human Resources Committee Chairperson Dwight Takeno reported that the committee received an update on work ensuring Board policies support the recommendations of the Special Education Task Force and English Learners Task Force’s 2018 summative reports. He reported that the committee also received an update on work ensuring Board policies enable the Board and Department to collect necessary teacher retention data and implement bold teacher recruitment and retention strategies. He noted that the committee reviewed the workgroup members and a timeline. Committee Chairperson Takeno reported that the committee took action on compensation adjustments for Department leadership employees. He noted that the committee’s recommendation to the Board includes compensation adjustments and salary ranges for leadership positions.

Finance and Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Kenneth Uemura reported that the committee received an update on the Department’s fiscal reports as of June 30, 2019, and reviewed carryover funding, repair and maintenance projects, and allotment balances. He reported that the committee received a presentation on the Department’s plans to vacate Young Street property and explained that the City and County of Honolulu plans to use this land for a new fire station. Committee Chairperson Uemura reported that the committee deferred action on new Board policy 301-10, entitled “Equitable School Facilities,” and asked the Department to present a more concise and clear policy at its October 3, 2019 meeting. He reported that the committee took action on the recommendations of COW XI but did not address COW XI’s full report. The committee also took action on the Department’s operating budget restriction implementation for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. He noted that student programs would not be affected by operating budget restrictions.


Board Chairperson Payne reported that she and Board Members Kili Namauʻu and Bruce Voss attended “The Power and Promise of Public Education” event hosted by the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Executive Conference and the Department on September 5, 2019. She stated that the business and industry community, military leaders, legislators, and First Lady Dawn Ige also attended. Board Chairperson Payne noted that the event focused on increasing business and industry support for public education in Hawaii.

Board Member Namauʻu highlighted Christina Kishimoto’s, Superintendent, State of the Schools address and highlighted the importance of collaboration.

Board Member Voss stated that the business and industry community could provide job and internship opportunities for students. He highlighted that the event was encouraging and noted that the public school system is moving in a positive direction.


Kishimoto reported the Bishop Museum and MW Restaurant hosted an event to honor music teachers. She highlighted that Servco donated 2,000 ukuleles and 750 guitars to 55 Department schools during this event. She noted that the Department is being specific about ways in which it could use support from businesses to extend its capacity and academic programming. She stated that the Department is running a five-part series regarding its five promises in partnership with 'Ôlelo Community Media. The series will be highlighting teachers, students, and principals. Kishimoto highlighted that the Department has several upcoming events, including its Schools of the Future Conference and computer science professional development conference.

Kishimoto reported that she recently visited several schools on Maui, including King Kamehameha III Elementary School, Princess Nâhiʻenaʻena Elementary School, Lahaina Intermediate School, Lahainaluna High School, and Henry Perrine Baldwin High School. She reported that she also visited schools in the Leeward District on Oahu. Kishimoto highlighted that she discussed vision with school leaders and observed how schools are implementing the Department’s decisions. She stated that her recent visits focused on how Complex Area Superintendents and principals could strengthen articulation between middle schools and high schools to support academies and career pathway designs, close funding gaps in middle schools to provide after-school programming to students, and increase inclusion rates.

Kishimoto reviewed the September 2019 Hoʻohaʻaheo, public school proud newsletter. She stated that the newsletter features alumni, science programs funded by innovation grants, Advanced Placement programs, and science program models.

Kishimoto reported that at the Board’s February 21, 2019 general business meeting, the Department informed the Board that the Department received notification from the U.S. Department of Education that the number of schools it identified as part of the Comprehensive Support and Improvement (“CSI”) designation was not sufficient and it would like the Department to identify additional schools. Kishimoto stated the U.S. Department of Education requested that the Department change its criteria and methodology for identifying subgroups under TSI and CSI-designations. Kishimoto reported that the Department made additional adjustments and submitted its final designation to the U.S. Department of Education for approval on September 16, 2019 based on public comments, feedback from leadership teams, and conversations with Legislators, schools, and charter schools. She stated that the Department is waiting for feedback from the U.S. Department of Education. She noted that the U.S. Department of Education’s approval would increase the number of schools that the Department identified for targeted support and stated that the Department would report to the Board on the outcome in the future.

Kishimoto stated that COW XI had discussions regarding enrollment numbers and determined that it was difficult to adjust weights without clear policies from the Board. COW XI recommended that the Board formulate policy regarding enrollment numbers that fall below threshold levels. She stated that the Board should engage in discussion regarding its policies on this topic and provide clarity.

Kishimoto reviewed the Department’s 2020-2030 Strategic Plan planning process and five draft promises. She stated that the Department’s first phase took place between May 6, 2019 and August 1, 2019. The Department rolled out its summary of the first phase and is currently in its second phase. She highlighted that the Department collected input from 2,700 individuals and 83 stakeholder groups during the first phase. The Department plans to collect additional information on first phase feedback and strategies for meeting the five promises. The Department is asking business and industry leaders for input on how they could provide the Department with support to deliver on its promises. Kishimoto stated that the Department would implement feedback from both phases into its draft 2020-2030 Strategic Plan and would present strategies, action steps, and metrics for the Board’s review.

Kishimoto stated that she presented her State of the Schools address at “The Power and Promise of Public Education” event. The event focused on ways in which business and industry could support schools and help the Department extend capacity. Kishimoto stated that the second phase ends on September 20, 2019. The Department’s goal is to present its 2020-2030 Strategic Plan final draft to the Board in January 2020. She noted that the Department would continue to collaborate with partners as it moves into its next phase of feedback


V. Discussion Items VI. *Public Testimony on Board Agenda Items

Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony. There was no public testimony at this time.

VII. Action Items ACTION: Motion to approve the Human Resources Committee’s recommendations to: (1) Approve compensation adjustments for the Deputy Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents, and Complex Area Superintendents based on their performance during the 2018-2019 School Year; (2) approve the use of funds in an amount not to exceed $131,000 for increases effective July 1, 2019; (3) approve a technical adjustment to move five current Complex Area Superintendents salaries to $145,000; and (4) approve salary range adjustments for the Deputy Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents, and Complex Area Superintendents, as described in the Department’s memorandum dated September 19, 2019 (Human Resources Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye. Committee Chairperson Uemura stated that the committee deferred action on new Board policy 301-10, entitled “Equitable School Facilities,” to its October 3, 2019 meeting.

Committee Chairperson Uemura summarized COW XI’s three specific recommendations regarding the increase in the neighbor island weighted factor, additional funding for English Learner (“EL”) students, and additional funding for homeless students. He noted that the committee accepted COW XI’s three specific recommendations relating to weighted student formula, but did not accept the full report, which also included supplementary recommendations.

ACTION: Motion to approve the Finance and Infrastructure Committee’s recommendations to adopt COW XI’s three recommendations for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School Years, that: (1) the neighbor island weighted factor be doubled from 0.004 to 0.008 beginning the 2020-2021 fiscal year; (2) additional funding approved by the Legislature will be prioritized to increase support for EL students beginning the 2020-2021 fiscal year; and (3) additional funding approved by the Legislature will be prioritized to support homeless students at a weight of 0.20 beginning the 2020-2021 fiscal year, as further described in the memorandum dated September 19, 2019 (Finance and Infrastructure Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

ACTION: Motion to approve the Department of Education’s operating budget restriction implementation for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year as described in the Department’s memorandum dated September 19, 2019 (Finance and Infrastructure Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Board did not discuss or take action on the investigative committee’s findings at the September 5, 2019 meeting when the investigative committee first presented its findings, pursuant to Sunshine Law.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Board tasked the investigative committee with developing the Board’s legislative policy positions, determining whether the Board needs to request any statutory changes on the policy positions, developing legislative proposals based on that determination, and drafting legislative reports for the 2020 Legislative Session. The committee recommends that the Board’s policy positions should support proposed legislation that advances the Board and Department’s strategic priorities and the Board’s committee strategic priorities for the 2019-2020 school year. The committee also recommends that the Board’s policy positions should support proposed legislation that addresses the needs identified in the Department and Hawaii State Public Library System’s Board-approved supplemental budget requests for Fiscal Year 2021. The committee’s final recommendation is that the Board should include amended charter school and general policy positions described in the proposed policy positions. She stated that the Committee would bring its finding and recommendations on the legislative reports to the Board at a future meeting.

ACTION: Motion to adopt the Board policy positions for the 2020 Legislative Session attached as Exhibit A to Investigative Committee Chairperson Catherine Payne’s memorandum dated September 5, 2019 (Barcarse/Cox). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


VIII. Adjournment

Board Chairperson Payne adjourned the meeting at 2:45 p.m.