STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE MEETING

MINUTES

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

PRESENT:
Kaimana Barcarse, Chairperson
Lynn Fallin
Ken Kuraya
Kili Namauʻu
Lauren Moriarty, Ex Officio

EXCUSED:
Shanty Asher, Vice Chairperson
Bill Arakaki
Bruce Voss

ALSO PRESENT:
Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian, Hawaii State Public Library System
Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Department of Education
Sean Bacon, Interim Assistant Superintendent, Office of Talent Management, Department of Education
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Executive Secretary


I. Call to Order

Committee Chairperson Kaimana Barcarse called the Human Resources Committee (“Committee”) Meeting to order at 10:18 a.m. Committee Chairperson Barcarse, Committee Members Lynn Fallin, Ken Kuraya, and Kili Namauʻu, and Ex-Officio Committee Member Lauren Moriarty were present.


II. Public testimony on Human Resources Committee (“Committee”) agenda items

Committee Chairperson Barcarse called for public testimony. No one testified at this time.

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


III. Approval of Meeting Minutes of September 1, 2022

Committee Chairperson Barcarse asked Committee members to review the Committee’s September 1, 2022 meeting minutes.

Committee Member Namau‘u moved to approve the Committee’s September 1, 2022 meeting minutes. Committee Member Fallin seconded.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse 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 Members Fallin, Kuraya, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to approve the Human Resources Committee September 1, 2022 meeting minutes (Namau‘u/Fallin). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


IV. Recommendation for Action

Committee Chairperson Barcarse stated that the Board of Education (“Board”) has a heavy lift this year setting up the public education system under a new strategic plan led by the Board, and he noted that Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian, has historically been a high performer. He proposed a limited yet focused state librarian evaluation this year to help the Board meet its top priority while still providing oversight of the state librarian.

Committee Member Namau’u moved to approve the truncated state librarian evaluation system and State Librarian Priorities for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, attached as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, respectively, to Committee Chairperson Barcarse’s memorandum dated October 6, 2022. Committee Member Kuraya seconded.

Board Member Lauren Moriarty, Ex Officio, expressed appreciation for the reasons for the proposed changes and believes that the Board has a responsibility to implement and maintain strict internal controls. She stated that the Board’s top priority is the new strategic plan and the fact that Aldrich has been a high performer does not absolve the Board from appropriate oversight. Board Member Lauren Moriarty, Ex Officio, suggested that the Committee consider a simplified evaluation process instead of eliminating the State Librarian’s adherence to professional standards. She stated that one way to approach this would be to have Aldrich self-evaluate and provide evidence to support the evaluation for the Committee to determine if standards are being adhered to.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse explained that if a committee member would like to make the motion then it is appropriate at this time, but if not Board Member Moriarty can propose her motion during the special meeting.

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

ACTION: Motion to approve the truncated state librarian evaluation system and State Librarian Priorities for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, attached as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, respectively, to Committee Chairperson Barcarse’s memorandum dated October 6, 2022 (Namau‘u/Kuraya). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Committee Chairperson Barcarse stated that both Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, and the Board have heavy lifts this year setting up the public education system under his new leadership and under a new strategic plan led by the Board. He proposed a limited yet focused superintendent evaluation will help the Board and Hayashi meet these priorities.

Committee Member Fallin moved to approve the truncated superintendent evaluation system attached and Superintendent Priorities for the 2022-2023 school year as attached as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, respectively, to Committee Chairperson Barcarse’s memorandum dated October 6, 2022. Committee Member Namau‘u seconded.

Board Member Moriarty, Ex Officio, expressed appreciation for the proposed changes; however, she also expressed concern that there will be no evaluation of professional standards under the simplified process. She explained that her concern has to do with the integrity of the process since Hayashi will have been leading the public education system for two to three years before the Board evaluates him with respect to professional standards. Board Member Moriarty, Ex Officio, suggested that the Committee consider simplifying the process to address other concerns raised.

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

ACTION: Motion to approve the truncated superintendent evaluation system attached and Superintendent Priorities for the 2022-2023 school year as attached as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, respectively, to Committee Chairperson Barcarse’s memorandum dated October 6, 2022 (Fallin/Namau‘u). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Committee Chairperson Barcarse called on Sean Bacon, Interim Assistant Superintendent, Office of Talent Management, to provide the Department’s recommendation on authorizing consultation with unions regarding the updates to the Department’s annual plan of organization, updated as of June 30, 2022.

Bacon outlined that on February 17, 2022 the Committee took action to defer the approval of the Department’s annual plan of organization dated June 30, 2021 and directed the Department to work with Board staff to develop an annual process that allows the Board to provide input on changes of the plan of organization. He noted that the Department collaborated with the Board staff to develop a process and is seeking approval to begin consultation with the Hawaii Government Employees Association (“HGEA”), Hawaii State Teachers Association (“HSTA”), and the United Public Workers on updates to the plan of organization dated June 30, 2022.

Bacon explained that there are two processes to engage the Board in communicating the changes to the plan of organization such as the annual process required from all state agencies and the formal proposal for reorganization as defined in Administrative Directive 19-02, including school personnel. He stated that the plan of organization includes state and complex area personnel but school level staffing is not included in the plan of organization. Bacon noted that school level positions are included in the school academic and financial plans developed with the School Community Council and approved by the complex area superintendent.

Bacon stated that based on feedback from the February 17, 2022 meeting, the Department added information to describe the tri-level system (state, complex area, and school), addition of temporary teaching positions in the Office of Curriculum, Instructional, Design and the Office of Hawaiian Education in response to demands for virtual learning options, several complex areas established additional behavioral health specialists, behavioral technicians and other related positions. He noted that, if authorized, the Department will begin the consult and confer process with the unions. Bacon noted further that once the consultation process is completed, if no significant changes are proposed, he would provide a written report to the Human Resources Committee Chairperson. Bacon stated that upon the Board’s authorization, the Department would transmit the plan of organization the Department of Budget and Finance and the governor’s office and publicly post the plan on the Department’s website.

Bacon stated that on August 18, 2022, the Board approved two deputy superintendent positions. He explained that the Department has begun the process of reviewing the current organizational structure and that the June 30, 2023 plan of organization will reflect the two new deputy superintendent positions, which may be included as part of a formal reorganization. Bacon stated that if changes are warranted, the Department would present a proposal of reorganization to the Board prior to consultation with unions.

Committee Member Kuraya moved to (1) authorize the Department to consult with the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and the United Public Workers regarding the updates to the Department’s Plan of Organization, updated as of June 30, 2022, as attached to Hayashi’s memorandum dated October 6, 2022; and (2) approve the Plan of Organization, updated as of June 30, 2022, provided that no significant changes are made during the consult and confer process. Committee Member Namau‘u seconded.

Committee Member Fallin asked for clarification on the annual plan of organization versus the Department’s reorganization. Bacon explained that during the legislative process, the Legislature removes or adds positions, but if the Department would like to change its overall structure it is required to present a reorganization proposal to the Board and, if approved, the Department would then get feedback from the unions before implementing the reorganization.

Committee Member Fallin stated that the Board approved two additional deputy superintendents, but the attached plan of organization is dated June 30, 2022, so the Department is asking for authorization to consult but it does not reflect these positions. Bacon replied that the two deputy superintendent positions were not included in the attached Plan of Organization because the positions had not been approved at that time. He clarified that when the Department provides its June 30, 2023 plan of organization next year, the two deputy superintendent positions will be included and if a reorganization is warranted the Department will ask the Board for additional input.

Committee Member Fallin asked if flexibility is built into the Department’s annual plan of organization. Bacon confirmed that is correct.

Committee Member Namauʻu asked for clarification on what warrants a reorganization and asked if making the two additional deputies permanent would trigger a reorganization. She stated that the former superintendent reorganized the Department and shifted some of the assistant superintendent positions. Bacon replied that pursuant to the Governor’s Administrative Directive 19-02, a formal reorganization is required under the following circumstances: (1) creation of a new organizational segment or abolishment of an existing one; (2) rearrangement or regrouping of existing organizational segments involving the reassignment or redistribution of functions and positions affected by these changes; or (3) creation of a new supervisory level or the deletion of an existing one. He noted that for any movement of positions that will affect working conditions, the Department will seek Board approval prior to implementation.

Committee Member Namauʻu stated that the former superintendent reorganized areas of the Department. Bacon confirmed that the Department did conduct several reorganizations including changing the name of the Office of Human Resources to the Office of Talent Management.

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

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


V. Public testimony on Committee agenda items

Committee Chairperson Barcarse called for public testimony.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item IV.B, entitled “Committee Action on the superintendent evaluation system process and Superintendent Priorities for the 2022-2023 school year.” She recommended that the Board include professional training on systems design and continual process improvement on data analysis in the evaluation. Pcola-Davis emphasized that another important area is relating to intake and addressing complaints from families at the complex, and school levels.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item IV.C, entitled “Committee Action on authorizing consultation with unions regarding the updates to the Department’s annual plan of organization, updated as of June 30, 2022.” She stated that under the Office of Facilities and Operations section she would like to add that the lack of proper ventilation can contribute to health issues.

Osa Tui, Hawaii State Teachers Association, testified on agenda item VI.A, entitled “Presentation on Department's plan to address teacher salary equity and compression.” He recognized the testimony submitted by HGEA and noted that many teachers are planning to stay and feel respected, but there are 400 teachers at the top of the pay scale who need to be addressed as well.


VI. Discussion Items

Committee Chairperson Barcarse called on Hayashi and Bacon to present the Department’s plan to address teacher salary equity and compression.

Hayashi outlined the Department’s plan to implement pay adjustments for teacher salary to address equity and compression. He explained that the legislature and governor included funding for this proposal in the state’s fiscal year 2022 budget bill and delegated implementation to the Department.

Hayashi highlighted that on December 5, 2019 the Board approved teacher salary shortage differentials which took effect on January 7, 2022. He explained that the Department also shared its plan to address shortcomings with a pilot project to address teacher salary equity and compression in February 2020, but that shortly thereafter the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Hayashi explained that due to fiscal uncertainty, the legislature did not have adequate funding to address compression, but since then the economy rebounded and the legislature provided financial resources in 2022.

Hayashi stated that the legislature and governor l addressed a multitude of initiatives for teachers including addressing compression, professional development hours, and shortage differentials. He stated that the Department consulted with the Office of Collective Bargaining and provided employer initiated pay adjustments based on years of service members of Bargaining Unit 05. He stated that teacher salary compression is a result of the absence of any step movements in previous years. Hayashi stated that without step movements, veteran teachers did not receive salary increases to compensate them for their years of service in the classroom.

Hayashi noted that new teachers entering the system earn nearly the same salary as veteran teachers. He stated that the one-time employer initiated salary adjustment will affect 9,200 or approximately 72% of teachers. Hayashi stated that the salary increase ranges from $1,524.96 to $18,056.88. He stated that the Department has consulted with HSTA and projects that total costs will be approximately $55 million.

Committee Member Fallin stated that for this particular measure contract negotiations were not required and that she would like to understand at what point negotiations are required. She stated that she was a teacher for many years and asked whether there are other ways the Department can bolster the teaching profession and what would be needed to be done, contract negotiation-wise.

Bacon explained that the Department and Board would need to negotiate things like adjustments to the salary schedule and adding steps to the salary schedule with the unions.

Committee Member Fallin asked why the Board and Department did not need to negotiate the one-time salary adjustment with the unions. Bacon replied that the one-time salary adjustment did not modify the contract and the legislature provided appropriate funding, so the Department and Board did not need to negotiate.

Bacon shared that teachers will see salary adjustments in their November 18 paychecks.

Committee Member Fallin invited the Department to provide thoughts on a broader strategy to retain teachers instead of just focusing on incremental salary adjustments.

Hayashi stated that OTM has initiated work on strategies, including a more robust recruitment strategy to reach out to individuals outside of teaching. He shared that the Teacher Education Coordinating Committee is looking to build a system that includes partners from HSTA to help students find out about teaching.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse stated that teacher recruitment is important, but the focus should be on teacher’s salary and compression.

Committee Member Fallin stated that she is trying to understand the impact to measure the success of salary adjustments and noted that she is not clear on the impacts.

Committee Chairperson Barcarse stated that as this rolls out the Board can expect to receive information on how this will improve our teaching profession.

Board Member Moriarty, Ex Officio, expressed support for teachers to get paid what others are receiving and noted that impacting 77% of teachers is good. She suggested that the Department look at qualitative data including surveys on why teachers take or stay in a job. Board Member Moriarty, Ex Officio, suggested that one data point to understand the broader plan that rewards longevity and performance is the retention data against performance evaluations.

Committee members received written testimony before the meeting. The following is a listing of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting.


VII. Adjournment

Committee Chairperson Barcarse adjourned the meeting at 11:16 a.m.

Name
Organization
Agenda Item
Susan Pcola-DavisIV.B. Committee Action on the superintenndent evaluation system process and Superintendent Priorities for the 2022-2023 school year & IV.C. Committee Action on authorizing consultation with unions regarding the updates to the Department annual plan of organization, updated as of June 30, 2022
Osa Tui, Jr.Hawaii State Teachers Association, PresidentVI.A. Presentation on Department’s Plan to Address Teacher Salary Equity and Compression
Randy PerreiraHawaii Government Employees Association, PresidentVI.A. Presentation on Department’s Plan to Address Teacher Salary Equity and Compression