DRAFT

STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

MINUTES

Queen Liliuokalani Building
1390 Miller Street, Room 404
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Thursday, April 25, 2024

PRESENT:
Warren Haruki, Chairperson
Kaimana Barcarse, Vice Chairperson
Bill Arakaki
Shanty Asher
Kahele Dukelow
Ken Kuraya
Lauren Moriarty

EXCUSED:
Makana McClellan

ALSO PRESENT:
Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Department of Education
Tammi Oyadomari-Chun, Deputy Superintendent of Strategy, Department of Education Capsun Poe, Board Executive Director
Wimmie Wong Lui, Board Analyst
Lady Garrett, Secretary


I. Call to Order

Board Chairperson Warren Haruki called the Board of Education (“Board”) General Business Meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.


II. Approval of Meeting Minutes of March 7, 2024, special meeting, and March 28, 2024, general business meeting

III. Report of the Superintendent

Board Chairperson Haruki called on Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, and Tammi Oyadomari-Chun, Deputy Superintendent of Strategy to provide the report of the superintendent. Hayashi expressed appreciation to Board Chairperson Haruki and Board Member Asher for their commitment to public education.

Supplemental operating and capital improvement project (CIP) budget requests. Hayashi reported the following: (1) legislative conference committee’s unanimously approved House Bill 1800 conference draft and will be scheduled for full approval before being sent to the Office of the Governor; (2) regarding CIP the legislature provided $49 million for project completion and $25 million for deferred maintenance; and (3) all CIP projects subject to lapse have been reauthorized.

2024 legislative proposals and priorities. Hayashi highlighted the following: (1) House Bill 2577 removes the weekly COVID-19 online publishing requirements; (2) Senate Bill 2070 creates an exemption from the procurement code for CTE-related purchases; (3) House Bill 2400 requires forfeiture of teacher licenses for those who resign while investigations of physical and sexual violence is pending; (4) Senate Bill 2286 provides workers compensation benefits for high school students interning during the summer of their senior year; (5) Senate Bill 3091 provides $20 million emergency appropriation for food service operations; (6) Senate Bill 3092 provides $6.6 million emergency appropriation to true-up charter school expenditures; and (7) Senate Bill 3207 removes sunset date on Superintendent’s salary cap.

Awards and recognitions for students, employees, and/or schools. Hayashi recognized Kawānanakoa Middle School educator Jade Pham, who is the 81st educator to receive the Milken award, and Waiākea High School mathematics teacher Rory Inouye, as the 82nd educator to receive the award. He also announced that the Waipahu High Academic Health Center is the first of its kind in the country. Students in the school’s Academy of Health & Sciences pathways will learn and work with physicians and medical professionals to serve patients and the clinic will begin accepting appointments from the community this month. Hayashi expressed appreciation for the Young Entrepreneurs Program which features products created by students using locally sourced materials. He shared that students in grades 6-12 showcased and sold their products on April 6, 2024 at the Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Farmers’ Market as part of a program sponsored by the Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation.

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on agenda items III.A, III.B, and III.C.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on Senate Bill 3207 which will remove the superintendent salary cap and expressed concern with the salary increases being determined by the Board.


IV. Discussion items
Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian, Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) outlined her self-assessment on performance based on professional standards and the State Librarian priorities for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. She expressed appreciation for the implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) in all libraries to create more convenience for patrons and efficiencies for staff. Aldrich shared that HSPLS partnered with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) on the Hawaii Digital Navigators program.

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item.

David Miyashiro, HawaiikidsCAN, testified in support of Aldrich for her leadership at HSPLS. He shared that HawaiikidsCAN is proud to partner with HSPLS to provide free tutoring to students who can access HSPLS resources.

Board Member Moriarty expressed appreciation for the RFID system and asked for examples of the value added to the accomplishments referenced in Aldrich’s self-assessment. Aldrich replied that she is honored to work with great people and recognized that she is able to steer people in the right direction to get things done. She shared that a lot of time is spent talking about the culture and how to set up communication channels to move forward.

Board Member Moriarty asked what areas need to be strengthened and what can the Board do to help. Aldrich replied that regarding communication she is looking for other ways to communicate more effectively with different stakeholders while developing listening skills.

Board Member Asher expressed appreciation for Aldrich’s vision to implement digital literacy navigator programs and what will happen going forward.

Board Chairperson Haruki expressed appreciation for Aldrich and noted that after the Lahaina wildfires she maintained constant communication with the Board. Aldrich expressed appreciation to the Board for the support.

Board Member Kuraya returned to the meeting at 2:11 p.m.


V. Committee Reports

Board Chairperson Haruki took agenda item V.A. after V.B. he explained that the report is to comply with the sunshine law.

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item. No testimony was provided.


Board Member and Student Achievement Committee Chairperson Arakaki reported that the Student Achievement Committee met on April 11, 2024. The Committee received a presentation by Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education on the college and career readiness indicators for the Class of 2023. The Committee then gave its approval for the revised Hawaii Common Core Standards for English language arts for kindergarten through twelfth grade, as explained in the Department of Education’s memorandum dated April 11, 2024. Finally, the Committee gave its approval for the Department’s proposed submission of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) consolidated state plan amendment to the United States Department of Education for school year
2024-2025, as explained in the Department’s memorandum dated April 11, 2024.

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item. No testimony was provided.


Board Member and Finance and Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Kuraya reported that the Finance and Infrastructure Committee met on April 11, 2024. The Committee received a presentation on the Department’s annual financial and single audit report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2023, by Accuity LLP. The Committee also received an update on the Lahaina Public Library campus, then received an update on the status of fire alarm systems in our schools, followed by an update on the status of the Department’s capital improvement projects. Finally, the Committee received an update on the newly opened King Kamehameha III Elementary campus at Pulelehua.

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, expressed appreciation for the work towards the fire alarm system report and expressed concern regarding the broken elevator at Keoneula Elementary School.


VI. Action Items

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified that increasing rigor for new standards and asked if struggling learners are considered in the recommendation.

ACTION: Motion to approve the recommendation on behalf of the Student Achievement Committee, the revised Hawaii Common Core Standards for English language arts for kindergarten through twelfth grade, as explained in the Department of Education’s memorandum dated April 11, 2024. (Arakaki/No second required). The motion was carried through unanimous consent from all members present.

Board Member Arakaki expressed appreciation for the information provided by the workgroup including information on focus, specificity, clarity, and revisions. Board Chairperson Haruki echoed appreciation for the comprehensive report.


Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item.

Cheri Nakamura, HEE Coalition, testified that questions were submitted to the Department of Education (Department) about the change for growth based on a consultant recommendation. She requested information on the identity of the consultant.

ACTION: Motion to approve the recommendation on behalf of the Student Achievement Committee, the Department’s submission of the Every Student Succeeds Act consolidated state plan amendment to the United States Department of Education for school year 2024-2025, as explained in the Department’s memorandum dated April 11, 2024. (Arakaki/No second required). The motion was carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


Board Chairperson Haruki called on Bill Arakaki & Ken Kakesako to provide the recommendation on School Community Council (SCC) requests for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy.

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified in support of the SCC requests for exceptions to waivers and noted that the waiver days are necessary to support schools.

ACTION: Motion to approve the recommendation of the school community council requests for exceptions to the Hawaii State Teachers Association collective bargaining agreement; waivers of section 302A-251, Hawaii Revised Statutes; waivers from Board policy for school year 2024-2025; and waivers from Department regulations as noted in the memo dated April 25, 2024, from Exception Review Committee members Bill Arakaki and Ken Kakesako. (Arakaki/Moriarty). The motion was carried through unanimous consent from all members present.

Board Member Arakaki stated that in order to meet the needs of the new strategic plan a lot of schools need waiver days to meet and work on the initiatives. Board Member Moriarty expressed appreciation for the testimonies provided and asked the Department to review previous requests to identify systemic challenges that lead to schools requesting use of instructional time.


Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item. No testimony was provided.

ACTION: Motion to establish an investigative committee (a permitted interaction group pursuant to paragraph 92-2.5(b)(1), Hawaii Revised Statutes) tasked with nominating individuals to serve as members on the State Public Charter School Commission for the Board to consider for appointment to fill three three-year terms, which will begin on July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027; and designate Board Members Bill Arakaki, Kahele Dukelow, and Makana McClellan to serve on the investigative committee, with Board Member Dukelow serving as chairperson.
(Asher/Kuraya). The motion was carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


VII. Adjournment

Board Chairperson Haruki adjourned the meeting at 2:52 p.m.

List of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting


NAME
Organization
Agenda Item
Bernadette TyrellCastle High School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Jeena CancheVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Jeanie StewartVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
James KauAiea High School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
R. Kalei Bras
Jay S. LinEwa Beach Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Eliza ElkingtonSunset Beach Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Neil BattadMauka Lani Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Chad MatsudaWebling Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Ikaika PlunkettKahuku Elementary School, PoʻokumuVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Lisa ThompsonVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Kasey EisenhourKeonepoko Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
John FitzpatrickVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Matthew KralevichVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Jennifer Luke-Payne, Charl Tailele, Hilary White, Kanoe Rillamas, Joy Shlachter, Eva Ana, Rita Kennach, Sherene Hong, Chezrae Lurbe, Mary Braffet, Angela Huntemer-Sidrane, Jaclyn Hardy, Wendy Wong-Aki, Starr Domingo, Pebbles PasiaKaaawa Elementary SchoolVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Bryan RankieHoʻokele Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Celeste DandurandPearl Harbor Kai Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Melody HabonBarbers Point Elementary School, TA PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Garrett ArakawaMomilani Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Matthew HoInterim Complex Area Superintendent, Castle-Kahuku ComplexVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Eliza KakaLaie Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Tammie PicklesimerWaimea Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Jenna TateVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Walter SantiagoKahaluʻu Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Melelani Dycus, Jed Tesoro, Joe Wat, Janell Malo, Madison O'Keefe, Kahaluʻu Elementary School 3rd grade teachers, Amber Stanton, Kelly Asato, Michele Mainaaupo, Julia Maiava-Seumanutafa, 6th grade teachersVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Ryan IshimotoAiea Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Cynthia RothdeutschKamaliʻi Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Amber Stanton & Kelly AsatoVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Ronald OyamaKapalama Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Sabrina FelicianoPuuhale Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Daniel LarkinKalihi Waena Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
John HamiltonKalihi Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Glen MiyasatoFern Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Kimberly FullerLinapuni Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Marc KawaharaKalihi Kai Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Derek SantosKalihi Uka Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Cody KikutaKaewai Elementary School, TA PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Mavis TasakaDole Middle School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
William GrindellKalakaua Middle School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Alfredo CarganillaFarrington High School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Sharon BeckKaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
David MiyashiroHawaiikidsCANIV.A. Review and discussion concerning State Librarian’s self-assessment on performance based on professional standards and State Librarian priorities for the 2023-2024 fiscal year
Alika AhuKaleiʻopuʻu Elementary School, PrincipalVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy
Cheri NakamuraHEʻE CoalitionVI.B. Board Action to approve submission of amendment to the Hawaii Consolidated State Plan for the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965, amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act, to the United States Department of Education
Susan Pcola-DavisIII. Report of the superintendent; V. Committee reports; VI.A. Board action on Updated English language arts content performance standards in compliance with Chapter 302A-201, Hawaii Revised Statutes; & VI.B. Board Action to approve submission of amendment to the Hawaii Consolidated State Plan for the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965, amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act, to the United States Department of Education
Tina MehlVI.C. Board action on School Community Council request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy