STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

MINUTES

Queen Liliuokalani Building
1390 Miller Street, Room 404
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Thursday, January 19, 2023

PRESENT:
Bruce Voss, Chairperson
Kaimana Barcarse, Vice Chairperson
Bill Arakaki
Shanty Asher
Lynn Fallin
Ken Kuraya
Makana McClellan
Lauren Moriarty
Kili Namauʻu

EXCUSED:
None

ALSO PRESENT:
Colonel Michael Minaudo, Military Representative
Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian, Hawaii Public Library System
Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Department of Education
Sean Bacon, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Talent Management, Department of Education
Brian Hallett, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Fiscal Services, Department of Education
Desiree Sides, Interim Complex Area Superintendent, Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kulanihakoi-Maui Complex Area, Department of Education
Ed Noh, Interim Complex Area Superintendent, Castle-Kahuku Complex Area, Department of Education
Stacey Bello, Interim Complex Area Superintendent, Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area, Department of Education
Richard Fajardo, Interim Complex Area Superintendent, Pearl City-Waipahu Complex Area, Department of Education
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Executive Secretary
Lady Garrett, Secretary


I. Call to Order

Board Chairperson Bruce Voss called the Board of Education (“Board”) General Business Meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. Board Chairperson Voss, Board Vice Chairperson Kaimana Barcarse, and Board Members Bill Arakaki, Shanty Asher, Lynn Fallin, Ken Kuraya, Lauren Moriarty, and Kili Namauʻu were present.


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

Board Chairperson Voss called for public testimony.

Cynthia Bartlett, Moms For Liberty Honolulu County, testified on agenda item VI.A, entitled “Board Action on Hawaii State Public Library System’s second operating budget submission for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium focused on system improvements.” She asked that the library system create a system that allows parents to opt-in to allow their children to access books of a mature nature and shared concerns with books in public libraries relating to gender and queer subject matters.

Cheri Nakamura, HEʻE Coalition, testified on agenda item VI.B, entitled “Board Action on compensation adjustment for Department of Education (“Department”) employee excluded from Bargaining Unit 6: Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent (Chief of Staff).” She stated that she would like to stand on written testimony and asked the Board to address the questions raised in its upcoming discussion.

Ryan-Nicholas Luther, member of the public, testified on agenda item VI.B, entitled “Board Action on compensation adjustment for Department employee excluded from Bargaining Unit 6: Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent (Chief of Staff).” He asked how the Department would pay for this compensation increase once it uses all of its federal funds, that funds need to be given to schools, and expressed concern with giving raises to public officials instead of teachers.

Board 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 November 17, 2022 General Business Meeting, December 15, 2022 Special Meeting, and December 15, 2022 General Business Meeting

Board Chairperson Voss asked Board members to review the Board’s November 17, 2022 General Business Meeting, December 15, 2022 Special Meeting, and December 15, 2022 General Business Meeting minutes.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to approve the Board’s November 17, 2022 General Business Meeting, December 15, 2022 Special Meeting, and December 15, 2022 General Business Meeting minutes. Board Member Kuraya seconded.

Board Chairperson Voss asked if there were any objections to the motion. No Board member raised objections, and the motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present (Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Fallin, Kuraya, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to approve the Board’s November 17, 2022 General Business Meeting, December 15, 2022 Special Meeting, and December 15, 2022 General Business Meeting minutes (Barcarse/Kuraya). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


IV. Reports of Board Committees, Board Members, and Superintendent

Board Chairperson Voss referred to the written report on the events attended by Board members.


V. Public Testimony on Board Agenda Items

Board Chairperson Voss called for public testimony. No one testified at this time.


VI. Action Items

Board Chairperson Voss called on Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian, Hawaii Public Library System (“HSPLS”), to present HSPLS’s recommendation on its second operating budget submission for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium focused on system improvements.

Aldrich stated that HSPLS presented its initial budget request to the Board in October 2022. She stated that then Governor David Ige subsequently approved the inclusion of three of the requests in his executive budget, including (1) restoration of funding for positions; (2) security guards; and (3) the digital literacy program. Aldrich explained that HSPLS then received instructions from Governor Josh Green’s new administration and that the new budget request is being submitted based on conversations with the new administration's staff. Aldrich stated that 18,000 individuals responded to the public library survey for its new strategic plan and that the responses showed that many people are not aware of what is available at public libraries and emphasized the importance of a public awareness program. Aldrich stated that in addition to the initial budget request, the libraries would like to add an additional $300,000 to support a public awareness program to promote services available at public libraries.

Board Member Fallin moved to approve HSPLS’s second operating budget submission for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium as described in Aldrich’s memorandum dated January 19, 2023. Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse seconded.

Board Chairperson Voss expressed support for the public awareness campaign and stated that the Board has also struggled to find ways to reach people. He asked Aldrich to describe her vision of how HSPLS would inform individuals about what is available at libraries. Aldrich replied that there are multiple channels to send out information and that HSPLS has been improving its social media and has gained more Instagram users. She stated that there are still individuals who watch television and part of the plan is to build out a plan or strategy to reach out using all different types of media.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse encouraged Aldrich to also explore radio as a way to promote public awareness because that is how a lot of rural communities get their information. He expressed appreciation for the clarity of the memorandum, which clearly states the work in progress and what has already been done.

Board Member Fallin expressed appreciation for the format of the facilities report. Aldrich expressed appreciation to Mallory Fujitani, Special Assistant to the State Librarian, and Dana Remigio for creating the document.

Board Member Kili Namauʻu stated that she been made aware that libraries will also include preschools and she asked Aldrich to share more about this program.

Aldrich shared that before the COVID-19 pandemic, HSPLS was involved in discussions to consider how public libraries could support pre-kindergarten ("pre-K") opportunities, which evolved into legislation. She stated that HSPLS is looking at opportunities because the legislature has allocated funding to build new pre-K centers, some libraries have space to build, and it is possible to add new space to new libraries. Aldrich shared that in Nanakuli there is enough property to build a preschool in the area, that Kapolei library has property, and that new libraries are being built in Waikoloa, Keaau and Mountain View. She stated that libraries are ideal partners because they have resources like books and staff that can provide emergent literacy programming.

Board Chairperson Voss stated that there are two types of preschool classroom options being considered, either renovation of existing space or modular or new spaces. Aldrich replied that for newer libraries this would be to build new space to accommodate preschools.

Board Chairperson Voss reiterated that the legislature allocated $200 million to fund the construction of preschools through June 30, 2024.

Board Member Asher asked about the programs available for students who need internet access once school is done and what HSPLS has done to attract students to use services at the libraries. Aldrich replied that the survey showed that teenagers value internet access and a quiet place to study, but that HSPLS needs to use targeted messaging to attract teenagers to libraries. She shared that the Waipahu Public Library has a new eSports lab for students to come and participate in these types of activities.

Board Member Asher stated that eSports has been positive in the community and suggested that libraries go to the schools to speak with students about ways to attract them to the library.

Board Member Moriarty complimented HSPLS on the budget proposal. She stated that regarding the $10 million request for health and safety improvements, has HSPLS experienced delays due to the lack of the ability to hire contractors. Board Member Moriarty stated that she would like to gain an understanding if the libraries are experiencing the same issues and challenges as the Department.

Aldrich explained that when submitting funding requests HSPLS asks for flexibility in spending the funds for this reason. She stated that depending on the timing it takes to get through the planning, design, and contracting process, the cost of project goes beyond the initial projections so the money helps to bridge previous construction projects.

Board Member Moriarty asked for clarification on positions. She noted that page 1 of the memorandum references the restoration of 64 positions, but page 3 states there were 69 positions. Aldrich explained that originally the legislature removed the funding for 69 positions, but 5 were abolished. The legislature provided 5 more positions to replace the abolished positions. Board Member Moriarty noted that the memorandum listed four specific positions then referenced five positions. Aldrich replied that digital literacy was originally included in this request, but that has been an ongoing discussion with the legislature regarding the use of funding for a position.

Board Member Moriarty expressed support for the public awareness campaign and asked if HSPLS would use existing staff to support this initiative since there are no additional full-time employees. Aldrich confirmed that funding would be used on contractors and services.

Board Member Moriarty expressed support for prioritizing neighbor island libraries and communities.

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

ACTION: Motion to approve HSPLS’s second operating budget submission for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium as described in Aldrich’s memorandum dated January 19, 2023 (Fallin/Barcarse). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Chairperson Voss called on Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Department of Education, to present his recommendation to adjust the compensation for the administrative assistant to the superintendent.

Hayashi outlined the recommendation on the compensation adjustment for Camille Masutomi, the administrative assistant to the superintendent. Hayashi explained that the position is invaluable and requires a particular skill set knowledgeable in areas such as fiscal, research, legislative connections, and school level experience. He detailed Masutomi’s work while in this position and she has personally benefited the Department and public education.

Board Member Fallin moved to approve an adjustment to increase the salary of the current administrative assistant to the superintendent from $128,863 to $148,084, effective July 1, 2021, as described in Hayashi’s memorandum dated January 19, 2023. Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse seconded.

Board Member Arakaki stated that Masutomi has been an asset to the Department and provides extensive support. He expressed support for the recommendation.

Board Member Asher expressed support and appreciation for Masutomi. She noted that Masutomi does a lot for the Department.

Board Chairperson Voss stated that the legislature has provided the funds to support the recommendation and asked Hayashi to share the various ways that Masutomi supports the Department. Hayashi replied that Masutomi supports the Department’s tri-level (state, complex area, and school) system, which is critical to ensure that students are engaged in learning. He stated that Masutomi supported a transformative project to provide reading glasses to assist students and Kristi Yamaguchi’s reading program and that he would not be able to do what he does without Masutomi’s multiple areas of expertise.

Board Member Makana McClellan entered the meeting at 2:16 p.m.

Board Member Moriarty stated that she appreciates the value that Masutomi brings. She asked for more information regarding the recommended increase because the proposed increase is higher than what the legislature provided and more comparable information to other administrative assistant positions in the state.

Bacon stated that the Department looked at Chicago and Gwinnett County Public School salaries for their respective Chief of Staff positions. He stated that the Department also looked at private sector information to determine comparisons with a minimum of $217,000 with a maximum of $374,000. Bacon also stated that the Department reviewed internal alignment of the leadership positions and those salary ranges.

Brian Hallett, Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Fiscal Services explained that the salary adjustment is within the Department’s budget and that the expense can be accommodated through the end of the fiscal year.

Board Member Fallin expressed support for the salary adjustment. She stated that the memorandum cites collective bargaining and asked if the adjustment is in the base salary. Bacon replied that the base salary is a recurring item in the budget and the legislature funds would account for the additional compensation.

Board Member Fallin clarified that this adjustment includes the base increase and collective bargaining adjustment.

Board Chairperson Voss asked the Department to explain the process to fund the annual increases for this position.

Hallett stated that the Department would work to accommodate the salary adjustment this year with the legislature.

Board Chairperson Voss called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to approve an adjustment to increase the salary of the current administrative assistant to the superintendent from $128,863 to $148,084, effective July 1, 2021, as described in Hayashi’s memorandum dated January 19, 2023 (Fallin/Barcarse). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Chairperson Voss called on Hayashi to present his recommendation on the appointment of the complex area superintendent (“CAS”) for the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kulanihakoi-Maui Complex Area.

Hayashi outlined the request for the complex area superintendent of the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kulanihakoi-Maui Complex Area with an annual salary of $165,000, effective January 20, 2023. He stated that the interim status of the CAS has resulted in the Department filling many positions on a temporary basis. Hayashi requested the approval of the appointment of Desiree Sides who has over thirty years in education, who has served in various roles, and who has been serving as the interim CAS since July 2022. He noted that the Department would present its proposal on the compensation system for complex area superintendents at a future meeting.

Board Member Kili Namauʻu moved to approve the appointment of Desiree Sides as the complex area superintendent of the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kulanihakoi-Maui Complex Area with an annual salary of $165,000, effective January 20, 2023. Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse seconded.

Board Chairperson Voss asked Sides to detail the biggest challenge facing her complex area.

Sides stated that her community is working hard to fill positions and that she believes in the Department’s tri-level system of support. She shared that in her role there is an opportunity for growth and shared that a job fair was hosted to help with filling positions in the area of student transportation.

Board Member Kili Namauʻu asked her to share about what is going on with the opening of Kulanihakoi High School. Sides replied that regarding Kulanihakoi, the Department has met with Maui’s new Mayor Richard Bissen. She emphasized that the principal of Kulanihakoi High School, Halle Maxwell, has done a tremendous job continuing to keep families informed about the opening of school. Sides also stated that the Department needs to meet with the Maui Land Use Commission and work with the Department of Transportation.

Board Member Moriarty asked Hayashi to detail the process he used to make these appointment recommendations. Hayashi replied that having served as a principal, CAS, and now superintendent, he has found that it is important for CAS to understand the experience of principals. He emphasized that when looking for a potential CAS, these individuals have demonstrated a commitment to students, school improvement, the ability to support principals, the ability to have discussion relating to student achievement, and can work collaboratively with principals. Hayashi stated that all of the CAS appointees have these necessary characteristics.

Board Chairperson Voss called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to approve the appointment of Desiree Sides as the complex area superintendent of the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kulanihakoi-Maui Complex Area with an annual salary of $165,000, effective January 20, 2023 (Kili Namauʻu/Barcarse). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Chairperson Voss called on Hayashi to present his recommendation on the appointment of the CAS for the Castle-Kahuku Complex Area.

Board Member Kuraya left the meeting at 2:46 p.m.

Hayashi outlined the recommendation for Ed Noh to serve as CAS for the Castle-Kahuku Complex Area. He stated that Noh has helped his schools navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and that under his leadership he has prioritized place-based learning. Hayashi requested that the Department is requesting the starting annual salary of $165,000 effective January 20, 2023.

Board Member Moriarty moved to approve the appointment of Ed Noh as the complex area superintendent of the Castle-Kahuku Complex Area with an annual salary of $165,000, effective January 20, 2023. Board Member McClellan seconded.

Board Chairperson Voss asked Noh to detail the biggest challenge in his complex area and his plans to address the challenges for schools in his complex area.

Noh stated that he would like to be able to tell the stories of each school and noted that his complex area deals with the challenge of distance. He invited the Board to visit schools in his complex area and noted that even some schools on Oahu could be considered remote.

Board Member Kuraya returned to the meeting at 2:49 p.m.

Board Member McClellan emphasized that based on Noh’s resume, this is the talent that the Department should aspire to have for schools. Noh acknowledged the former CAS and stated that his complex area is community-based so there are unique opportunities for principals to learn and serve. He stated that seeing the connection between families and school principals is important.

Board Member Arakaki noted that he visited schools in Kahuku and that participating in hands-on opportunities is beneficial. He shared that the community is really supportive of schools and the work being done is tremendous.

Board Member Namauʻu shared that she was concerned when Noh moved from the Department’s Leadership Institute to this CAS position, but expressed understanding and support. She stated that it was critical for Noh to be in this CAS position because good leadership is essential.

Board Chairperson Voss echoed the comments from other Board members. He recognized that Noh has empowered principals to try different approaches.

Board Chairperson Voss called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to approve the appointment of Ed Noh as the complex area superintendent of the Castle-Kahuku Complex Area with an annual salary of $165,000, effective January 20, 2023 (Moriarty/McClellan). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Chairperson Voss called on Hayashi to present his recommendation on the appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area.

Hayashi outlined the Department’s recommendation to appoint Stacey Bello as the complex area superintendent of the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area with an annual salary of $165,000, effective January 20, 2023. He stated that Bello has 25 years of service in the Department as a special education teacher, vice principal at both the elementary and secondary levels and has served as the interim CAS since May 2022. Hayashi stated that Bello initiated one of the first complex area job fairs to attract personnel.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to approve the appointment of Stacey Bello as the complex area superintendent of the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area with an annual salary of $165,000, effective January 20, 2023. Board Member Fallin seconded.

Board Chairperson Voss asked Bello to detail the biggest challenge facing her complex area and her plans to address these challenges in schools.

Bello stated that the complex area has many challenges, but that she focuses on the positives. She stated that chronic absenteeism has been extremely high and the complex has been looking into why students are absent. Bello noted that some issues relate to student transportation. Bello expressed appreciation to Mountain View Elementary School principal, Adria Medeiros, for organizing a job fair to help address student transportation issues.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse expressed appreciation for Bello agreeing to step up and noted that the Kau area itself is larger than the island of Oahu. He expressed support for the leadership skills of Bello and how she can bring folks together, especially the keiki (children).

Board Member Fallin stated that she noticed that a CAS student advisory committee was formed and she would like to know how input from this group can be used to incorporate changes to chronic absenteeism or other areas. Bello replied that this year the CAS student advisory committee was started with the intent to hear students' voices and not just elected officials. She explained that students are provided with questions prior to the meeting so that they can ask their peers for input.

Board Member Fallin asked what concerns or challenges were shared by students that became a higher priority. Bello stated that since the student advisory committee first provided feedback, they have made changes in certain schools relating to safety and environmental concerns. Board Member Fallin stated that with social emotional challenges in the schools, this is important.

Board Chairperson Voss called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to approve the appointment of Stacey Bello as the complex area superintendent of the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area with an annual salary of $165,000, effective January 20, 2023 (Barcarse/Fallin). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


Board Chairperson Voss called on Hayashi to present his recommendation on the appointment of the CAS for the Pearl City-Waipahu Complex Area.

Hayashi outlined the Department’s recommendation to appoint Richard Fajardo as the complex area superintendent of the Pearl City-Waipahu Complex Area with an annual salary of $165,000, effective January 20, 2023.

Board Member Asher moved to approve the appointment of Richard Fajardo as the complex area superintendent of the Pearl City-Waipahu Complex Area with an annual salary of $165,000, effective January 20, 2023. Board Member Kili Namauʻu seconded.

Board Chairperson Voss asked Fajardo to detail the challenges in his complex area.

Fajardo replied that the complex area has looked at what schools can do to support their community.

Board Member Lynn Fallin stated that she had the opportunity to visit a school in the complex area and appreciated the team working together and using data to motivate school staff. She noted that Fajardo has a counseling background and having that experience on Hayashi’s leadership team is important.

Board Member Asher stated that when the Department was transitioning to in-person learning she visited Fajardo’s school and was comforted with the immediate responses the school had in place. She noted the teamwork among school staff to help students and that his counseling background was essential for the school’s successful reopening.

Board Chairperson Voss stated that he is looking forward to seeing more for Fajardo given his experience with whole-child education and his background.

Board Chairperson Voss called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Fallin, Kuraya, McClellan, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to approve the appointment of Richard Fajardo as the complex area superintendent of the Pearl City-Waipahu Complex Area with an annual salary of $165,000, effective January 20, 2023 (Asher/Kili Namauʻu). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


VII. Adjournment

Board Chairperson Voss adjourned the meeting at 3:18 p.m.


List of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting


NAME
Organization
Agenda Item
Cheri Nakamura
HE’E Coalition
VI.B. Board Action on compensation adjustment for Department employee excluded from Bargaining Unit 6: Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent (Chief of Staff); VI.C.; VI.D. ; VI.E. Board Action on appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area; VI.F.
Iwalani HarrisVI.E. Board Action on appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area
Joy HohnstineVI.E. Board Action on appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area
Brendan FlirisVI.E. Board Action on appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area
Kim WilliamsonVI.E. Board Action on appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area
Elaine HigaVI.E. Board Action on appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area
Karrin HauanioVI.E. Board Action on appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area
Ravae ToddVI.E. Board Action on appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area
Sharon BeckVI.E. Board Action on appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area
Alex Harris
Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, Vice President for Programs
VI.B. Board Action on compensation adjustment for Department employee excluded from Bargaining Unit 6: Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent (Chief of Staff)
Jensen BallVI.B. Board Action on compensation adjustment for Department employee excluded from Bargaining Unit 6: Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent (Chief of Staff)
Brandon TanabeVI.E. Board Action on appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area
Adria MedeirosVI.E. Board Action on appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area
Andrew ScottVI.E. Board Action on appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area
Danielle DixonVI.E. Board Action on appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area
Samantha TomoriVI.E. Board Action on appointment of the CAS for the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area