STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

MINUTES

Thursday, June 17, 2021

*The Board did not meet at a physical location. As part of the response to the threat of COVID-19, Governor David Ige issued a Twenty-First Supplementary Proclamation dated June 7, 2021, suspending Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 92, Public Agency Meetings and Records, to the extent necessary to enable boards as defined in Section 92-2, to conduct meetings without any board members or members of the public physically present in the same location, among other things.


PRESENT:
Catherine Payne, Chairperson
Kenneth Uemura, Vice Chairperson
Shanty Asher
Kaimana Barcarse
Lynn Fallin
Kili Namauʻu
Dwight Takeno
Bruce Voss
Hunter Harris, Student Representative


EXCUSED:
Margaret Cox


ALSO PRESENT:
Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent
Keith Hayashi
Glenn Nochi, Evaluation Specialist, Accountability Section, Office of Strategy, Innovation, Performance, and Innovation
Polly Quigley, Educational Specialist, Community Engagement Branch, Office of Strategy, Innovation, Performance, and Innovation
Ryan Roylo, Deputy Attorney General, Department of the Attorney General
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Executive Secretary
Lady Garrett, Secretary


  1. Call to Order


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

II. Approval of Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2021 Special Meeting


Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one provided oral testimony at this time.


Board Chairperson Payne asked Board members to review the minutes of the Board’s June 3, 2021 Special Meeting.


Board Vice Chairperson Kenneth Uemura moved to approve the meeting minutes of the Board’s June 3, 2021 Special Meeting with an amendment to insert the following language: “Board Vice Chairperson Uemura noted the CDC guidance indicates that if the community transmission rate is high, six feet of distance is required. Proper ventilation of classrooms is a mitigating factor to allow for three feet of distance. Kishimoto earlier reported on the need for funds to properly ventilate classrooms and that the Board should be aware that future requests for ventilation is a mitigating factor that impacts the physical distance requirements,” after the sentence that reads, “Board Vice Chairperson Uemura asked to see the process the Department used for schools when there are high community transmission rates in the area.” Board Member Kaimana Barcarse seconded.


Board Chairperson Payne 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 (Board Vice Chairperson Uemura, Board Members Asher, Barcarse, Fallin, Namauʻu, Takeno, and Voss).


ACTION: Motion to approve the meeting minutes of the Board’s June 3, 2021 Special Meeting with the amendment from Board Vice Chairperson Uemura (Uemura/Barcarse). The motion was carried through unanimous consent from all members present.

III. Reports of Board of Education (“Board”) Committees, Board Members, and Superintendent


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


Susan Pcola-Davis, public, testified in support of the State Librarian and noted the evaluation’s supporting documentation indicates sustained effectiveness and based on the rating scale used to evaluate she proposes the State Librarian be rated as highly effective which shows she exceeded expectations. She expressed appreciation for the State Librarian who has had a positive impact on patrons, staff, community relations, and program outcomes.


Board Member Dwight Takeno, Human Resource (“HR”) Committee Chairperson, reported that the Human Resources Committee met earlier and discussed one action item on the recommendation concerning the end-of-year evaluation for Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian. He explained that after a long and thoughtful discussion on the evaluation, the HR committee recommends the following standard ratings: Standard 1: visionary leadership and organizational culture, highly effective; Standard 2: operations resource and personnel management, highly effective; Standard 3: Board governance and policy, effective; Standard 4: communications and community relations, highly effective; Standard 5: ethical leadership, highly effective, and, the overall rating for Component 1: professional standards, highly effective. He stated that the HR Committee recommends the following priority ratings: Priority 1, effective; Priority 2, effective; Priority 3, effective; and the overall rating for priorities, effective. He stated that in consideration of both component 1, professional standards and component 2, State Librarian’s priorities, the HR Committee recommends an overall final rating of highly effective and recommends the Board adopt the HR Committee’s recommendation.

B. Finance and Infrastructure Committee Report on: (1) Committee Action on recommendation concerning Department of Education’s plan for use of federal funds in third round of the Education Stabilization Fund’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (“ESSER”) Fund authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021; (2) Presentation on Department of Education’s repair and maintenance (“R&M”) and capital improvement project (“CIP”) programs: how projects are funded, categorized, and prioritized; legislative appropriations for fiscal biennium 2021-2023; quarterly reporting timeline


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


Susan Pcola-Davis, public, testified that she reviewed the state ESSER plans of Delaware, Louisiana, and Missouri. She observed that other state plans include expenditures listed by line item and suggested that the Board defer approval of the Department of Education’s (“Department”) state ESSER plan until the Department provides more information and ask the Department to seek an additional extension.


Julie Reyes Oda, Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, testified regarding the third round of the Education Stabilization Fund’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ESSER III”) and pointed out that the Department eliminated the 21 professional development hours for teachers, which is a direct contradiction to the Department’s statements that it will provide professional development to increase retention and meet employee needs. She also stated that on pages 48-49 of the Department’s application, it mentions not having enough new teachers and that it is hard to retain teachers without considering why a teaching job in Hawaii is not attractive, expressed disappointment that nobody put effort into the teacher portion of the application, and asked that the Department spend more time on this section.


Finance and Infrastructure (“FIC”) Committee Chairperson Bruce Voss reported that there was one action item on the recommendation concerning the Department’s plan and its application for ESSER III funds. He noted that there were substantial questions from members of the public and Board members regarding the lack of specificity in terms of programs and expenditures. The FIC Committee’s action clarified that its recommendation is that the Board approve the application, but does not include approval of specific expenditures and allocations of federal funds. He also reported that the Department committed to providing the Board with a detailed and comprehensive expenditure and allocation plan for both ESSER III and remaining ESSER II funds, while continuing to solicit public input from all stakeholders prior to the FIC Committee’s August meeting. He explained that the Department must provide additional information regarding specific programs to address learning loss and acceleration of student learning for the upcoming fiscal year. With those clarifications, the FIC Committee unanimously recommends approval of the action item for the limited purpose of submitting the ESSER III application by the July 1, 2021 deadline.


Board Member Voss also reported that the Department provided a presentation on the R&M and CIP programs and that the FIC Committee discussed the following: (1) how priorities are determined; (2) status of submittals and backlogs; and, (3) questions on whether recent actions by the legislature in approving a substantial amount of line item construction projects affected the Department’s commitment to equity and Board priorities. He noted the Department committed to providing additional information as to whether or not the legislature’s repeated use of line items is in alignment with the Board’s commitment to equity.

C. Investigative committee (a permitted interaction group pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 92-2.5(b)(1)) concerning nomination of individuals to serve as members of the State Public Charter School Commission: findings and recommendations


Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one provided oral testimony at this time.


Board Member Kili Namauʻu, investigative committee chairperson, reported that the investigative committee tasked with nominating individuals to serve as members on the State Public Charter School Commission (“Commission”) extended the application deadline when it received only two applications for three anticipated vacancies. She noted that the committee received a total of three applications by the extended deadline and found all three applicants to be qualified. She stated that the committee recommends appointing Shannon Cleary, Alex Harris, and Cathy Ikeda to the Commission for three-year terms effective July 1, 2021, applied retroactively, and ending June 30, 2024. She explained that the committee's report also recommends that the Board Chairperson appoint these individuals to interim terms beginning on July 1 until their official appointments by the Board to avoid any breaks in service or interruptions to the Commission’s operations.


Board Chairperson Payne explained that pursuant to Sunshine Law, the Board could not deliberate or take action on the recommendations from the investigative committee at this meeting, but the Board would do so at its next meeting.

IV. Discussion Items


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


Anya Love, Kauai Yoga on The Beach, testified that her children were homeschooled last school year and there is a lot of injustice happening right now in schools. She stated that the Department should not put experimental vaccines before health because the vaccine is not approved and there are no studies that suggest masks are effective or protect against viruses.


L C, public, expressed opposition to mandates, the Department’s continued approach, and the proposed resolution for the 2021-2022 school year.


Cheri Nakamura, HEʻE Coalition, testified in support of the resolution and stated that HE‘E Coalition is looking forward to the Department’s analysis of costs and benefits of the past school year. She provided highlights from her written testimony: (1) it is beneficial to provide direction for schools to accommodate families that need to have a distance learning option due to special circumstances and share information on how to access these options; (2) it is strategic for the Department to consider having the state or complex areas pool resources to provide distance learning options for students since the COVID-19 pandemic has shown how distance or hybrid learning can be beneficial for rural areas where personnel and resources are limited.


David Miyashiro, HawaiiKidsCAN, testified schools were forced to adapt during the pandemic and teachers pulled through to offer continuity of education and the in the process learned a lot about distance learning. He stated that the Department spent millions of dollars on devices and connectivity to offer distance learning and noted that it makes sense to offer a centralized public option for distance learning to ensure quality control, one to one student and educator support, and intentionality around social emotional and mental health wellness for students.


Levana Lomma, For Our Rights Founder, testified in opposition to the proposed resolution for the upcoming school year and stated that as a parent of a young child in the public education system, the COVID-19 pandemic mandates are unscientific and unnecessary. She stated that when she was informed that her daughter would need to wear a mask to attend school she immediately opted for distance learning, which was a disaster.


Susan Pcola-Davis, public, testified in strong support of the proposed resolution and expressed appreciation for the resolution in order to ensure a smooth opening for schools. She stated that the four points of the resolution are exactly what schools need to consider when opening with the expectation that all parts of the resolution meet the expectations of the Board and public.


Bette Livingston, public, testified children are at no danger from COVID-19 or its variants. She also stated that there should be no mask wearing in schools because it is dangerous.


Thomas Milcarek, public, testified he does not understand where the adults are and that there never really was a COVID-19 pandemic. He stated he has never worn a mask, socially distanced, or washed his hands more and remains healthy.


Board Chairperson Payne noted that last June, the Board issued a resolution that provided “big picture” guidance to the Department on reopening schools for the 2020-2021 school year. She stated that she is proposing a resolution to do the same for the upcoming school year with a focus on encouraging vaccinations, communication with families on school safety measures, distance learning options, and continuing the designation of the Department of Health as the authority for advice and guidance on all COVID-19-related health matters. She noted that the proposal on the agenda for feedback from the Board at this time, not action. She explained that she would put the resolution on the Board’s July agenda if Board members express interest in adopting it and she would incorporate Board member comments into any revisions.


Board Chairperson Payne stated that she sees vaccinations and strong communication with families as keys to bringing as many students as possible back into the classroom safely. She explained that while Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent already gave the directive to schools to provide in-person learning for all students for the 2021-2022 school year, some families may still not feel comfortable sending their children to an in-person setting. Furthermore, it is not clear to the Board or the public whether families may opt for distance learning. Board Chairperson Payne noted that until this point, the Board has not discussed among its members or with
Kishimoto as to whether the Department should offer distance learning for next school year and stated that any decision in this regard is a significant policy call, which is the Board’s responsibility. She stated that the Department should not be pushing students and families out of the public education system to homeschool for any reason, especially not because of health and safety concerns.


Board Chairperson Payne detailed that the proposed resolution renews the Board’s directive to the Department to rely on the Department of Health as the sole source of advice and guidance on all COVID-19-related health matters. She stated that the Department should be relying on the Department of Health’s interpretation and application of any U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and research to Hawaii’s local conditions.

Board Member Takeno expressed appreciation for the proposed resolution, as it is very important to provide guidance on the opening of schools for the 2021-2022 school year. He stated the resolution will address things the Board believes is most important and provide additional clarification on expectations with the transition to in-person learning, dealing with the ending of the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes in Department leadership. He expressed strong support for the four issues within the proposed resolution.

Board Member Voss stated he is troubled by some of the misstatements of facts and allegations during testimony on this agenda item; however, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but not to their own facts. He noted that vaccinations limit the spread of COVID-19 transmission in our community and greatly reduce the risk of serious injury and death and expressed strong support for the resolution encouraging vaccinations and continuing to provide information and facts on access to vaccinations for those who are eligible and wish to receive the vaccination.
Board Chairperson Payne invited Board members and Kishimoto to provide comments on the proposed resolution.


Kishimoto stated she is looking forward to hearing from the Board on any comments around the resolution and thoughts on how to best open the schools for the upcoming school year. She reminded the Board of previous discussions on capacity limits both financially and in terms of certified teachers and would like to maximize opportunities to the best extent possible with in-person learning as the primary mode of instruction.


Board Chairperson Payne stated most people agree getting students back to school is the best for most children, although there are situations that require sensitivity. She recognized the funding issues and suggested that complex areas work on making distance learning options available because it is disheartening to hear parents feel like the only option is to pay for private school or homeschool. She emphasized that the Department should take care of all students who want an education through the public school system.


Board Member Kili Namau‘u expressed agreement and noted that families should have that option of distance learning since an enormous amount of money has been spent on devices, connectivity, and training for teachers. She stated that the distance learning option should be explored further and should be made available for families and students who thrived in this environment. Board Member Namau‘u recognized the constraints, but stated that now is the time to be innovative and look at possible assistance from community partners. She expressed support for the proposed resolution and is looking forward to the Department providing options for distance learning.


Board Student Representative Hunter Harris expressed support for the resolution and the commitment to return students to in-person learning. He echoed comments on leaving options open for parents to choose whether their child will remain in distance learning if the student thrived. Board Student Representative Harris stated he would like a clear message for students and parents on what is okay and not okay while on school campuses.


Board Member Barcarse expressed support for each of the four points of the resolution. He noted that distance learning is not one size fits all and he has seen how some students excel in distance learning while other students need in-person instruction. Board Member Barcarse stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has helped to advance more opportunities for learning through technology. He expressed appreciation for the options for students to continue with distance learning for safety reasons or if the students works better in instructional mode. He stated encouraging vaccinations is a positive step as Hawaii begins to lift mandates.


Board Member Lynn Fallin expressed agreement that parents should have options based on how students learn best. She stated that she would like the Department to look at what has been learned over the past year and strengthen areas that were not as effective, such as uniformity in tracking instructional days and hours, how attendance is reported, and making sure there is good supervision for students. She stated that distance learning will be a part of the instructional strategy in the future and she encouraged vaccinations.


Board Member Shanty Asher echoed comments from other members and expressed support for allowing parents to choose what works best for their circumstances. She stated that staff has spent so much time on virtual learning and supported for encouraging vaccinations.


Board Chairperson Payne stated that the University of Hawaii (“UH”) is embarking on a two-year plan to work with teachers and cohorts to identify best practices in distance learning, develop model lessons and use the expertise of teachers and staff.


Board Member Uemura expressed appreciation for the intent of the resolution and the four focus areas. He echoed comments from other members and supported the Board’s consideration of the proposed resolution at an upcoming meeting.


Kishimoto stated the Department has been a partner with UH on the planning for and participated in the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (“GEER”) funding committee to direct funding, which considered priorities alongside other partners to design distance learning with an effective design of the systems that are needed. She shared her concern that the Department was rushed into having a distance learning option because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it takes time to build out a system. She shared the following considerations: (1) the purpose of the partnership with UH is because the Department does not have curriculum across all areas for a full course of study nor the teacher staffing capacity because it is important to have a certified teacher teaching; (2) how does the Department balance having teachers assigned to distance learning since the Department will be fully reopening; (3) school became a safety net on multiple levels of mental health, food security, required mandated reporters, established time for students to be in a trusted environment with adults to determine if distance learning is in the best interest of the students; (4) full distance learning by law must be offered equitably and is not just offering access to courses and who will be the service providers. She shared that there are schools in discussions about distance learning options and planning around what can be offered and will need to determine what happens to weighted student formula funding and if it will follow the child. She noted that the Department wants to offer distance learning but has challenges that need to be mitigated in terms of resources, capacity, and time to plan.


Board Chairperson Payne expressed encouragement that schools are already beginning to think about and actively plan for distance learning options. She stated that families will need to make the decision in consultation with principals and that she would like to find ways to take care of all students who want to have a public education.

B. Presentation on proposed amendment of the Bylaws of the Hawai‘i State Board of Education


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


Susan Pcola-Davis, public, commented on the proposed amendments to the Board Bylaws that setting up a governance committee will increase the workload by adding another meeting. She noted that setting up a governance committee, as described, is essentially setting up an executive committee and asked what Sections 6.5 and 6.6 will accomplish.


Board Chairperson Payne noted that the proposal on the agenda for feedback from the Board at this time and can be considered by the Board in July. She explained that most of the proposed amendments to the bylaws are technical corrections or clarifications or codify current practice. She noted that the most significant proposed changes are those adding a governance committee and establishing a system to require standing committees to vet board business before it comes to the full Board.


Board Member Voss commented that many of the rule changes codify existing practice and are meant to expedite matters. He stated he is not convinced about the governance committee because there was barely enough time for Student Achievement Committee (“SAC”) meetings, which are critical going forward. Board Member Voss also stated he does not understand what the governance committee would do.


Board Chairperson Payne replied one issue is determining how committees determine what comes before the Board since there is no system for vetting a number of responsibilities within our parameters other than by bringing the issue to the entire Board. She stated the governance committee would meet as needed and not on a regular basis and the committee could help refer items.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura expressed support for operational amendments. He supported the concept of the governance committee but not in its present form. He expressed support for the governance committee because the bylaws should reflect the role of the Board in raising student achievement in public schools; however, when reading the bylaws it is not clear if this is clearly reflected. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura stated that the first priority is to discuss whether the Board’s role is one of oversight or governance. He stated that he supports a governance committee because the Board needs to be grounded in a governance mindset and the vehicle to accomplish this transition is the governance committee. He stated, however, that further discussions are needed to determine exactly what the committee will do since there are a lot of different opinions. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura shared he does not support the governance committee functioning as an executive committee as that is not the function of a governance committee. He encouraged the Board to place the amendment as a discussion item on a future agenda.

Board Chairperson Payne asked for clarification of Board Vice Chairperson Uemura’s recommendation. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura clarified that he is in agreement with the operational amendments and would like to have more discussion on the concept of a governance committee. He recommended the Board have a future discussion on what governance is and how to achieve it.

Board Member Fallin expressed interest in the concept of governance because it avoids the silo effect and systems that support committees need to be connected so they are integrated and aligned with a common purpose across all committees. She shared an example of looking at program performance effectiveness and budget decisions to start discussions on what is governance and how to best support working together. Board Member Fallin expressed support for the operational amendments to the bylaws.

Board Chairperson Payne clarified that the charters for each committee are separate and it will be helpful for the Board to have this discussion to be familiar with roles and responsibilities of all committees.

Board Member Barcarse noted he does not have any issues with the operational changes; however, he would like to understand what Board governance is since members may have a different understanding based on various experiences. He noted that the governance committee acting as an executive committee is not proper for a public Board and he looks forward to further discussions to address other areas the Board is responsible for, such as public libraries and charter schools.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that she will bring back revised bylaws based on the discussion and will consider placing further discussion on governance on a future agenda.


Board Chairperson Payne recessed the meeting at 3:00 p.m. and reconvened at 3:10 p.m.


V.
Action Items


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


Cheri Nakamura, HEʻE Coalition, testified in support of Keith Hayashi as interim superintendent.


Susan Pcola-Davis, public, testified in strong support for the appointment of Keith Hayashi as interim superintendent with an annual salary of $210,000 and expressed appreciation for the work of the investigative committee.


Julie Reyes Oda, Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, testified regarding her concerns about the selection process of the interim superintendent, asked what forms of input the Board received during the interim superintendent process, and asked how the interim superintendent will demonstrate accountability. She stated that the Department is a system in need of change and there needs to be a restoration of trust and confidence in leadership through clear, timely and transparent guidance and communication to students, families, staff and the public.


Board Chairperson Payne stated that at the Board’s June 3, 2021 Special Meeting, the investigative committee investigating issues relating to the search for a superintendent reported its findings and recommendations on an interim superintendent. She noted that the Board did not deliberate or take action at that meeting pursuant to Sunshine Law, but it may do so at this meeting.


Board Member Takeno moved to approve Keith Hayashi as the interim superintendent with an annual salary rate of $210,000, effective upon the end of Kishimoto’s tenure as superintendent and until the start date of a new superintendent to be appointed by the Board. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura seconded.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura asked if the transition committee could provide information on demographics of the applicants considered, but that he understood if the committee could not do so due to privacy concerns.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the backgrounds of the applicants were varied and included those from in state and out-of-state.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura stated that Hayashi’s cover letter states that he is, “committed to collective collaboration to all stakeholders to provide our students with the educational opportunities necessary for success,” and he asked how Hayashi will work with the Board to establish this. Hayashi replied that he looks forward to working with the Board and following established procedures and processes. He stated that communication and building trust is important. Hayashi noted that he is looking forward to hearing concerns and working collaboratively with the Board and Department leadership to ensure a successful year and meeting students' needs.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura asked Hayashi what role he sees for himself with the Board and does he see his role as interim superintendent one providing a strategic view or strategic planning. Hayashi replied that his role is to provide both strategic view and planning and to work together with the Board to ensure issues raised are addressed while working with the Department’s educational leaders to create a plan that strategically addresses needs and concerns.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura asked if Hayashi sees himself as a co-leader with the Board in terms of determining educational goals and priorities. Hayashi replied that communication is important and that he will work with the Board to ensure the needs and priorities of the public school system are met and communicated regularly to the Board.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura stated he would like to know if Hayashi will be working in partnership with the Board, which is why he asked the question relating to strategic view or strategic planning. He explained that his opinion is that the Board sets the strategic view and the interim superintendent does the strategic planning.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura stated that the interim superintendent is there to create the plan that accomplishes the Board’s view and is not expected to just do what the Board wants because Hayashi is the educational expert.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura asked Board Chairperson Payne if there is a plan to ensure that there is a smooth transition of leadership to the interim superintendent.

Board Chairperson Payne explained the transition will start once the candidate is confirmed and the Board will not start the interim superintendent ahead of the departure of the current superintendent, due to financial issues.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura moved to amend the main motion to include direction to Kishimoto to work with Hayashi as the incoming interim superintendent on the leadership transition upon his appointment, including ensuring he has access to information and leadership personnel, getting his input on decisions affecting the school system, and keeping him apprised of any statewide issues affecting the Department. Board Member Barcarse seconded.

Board Chairperson Payne suggested holding off on amending the main motion and take comments from Board members first.

Board Chairperson Payne asked Hayashi what are the first things he plans to do when taking the position.

Hayashi reflected on his thirty-two years as an elementary school teacher, resource teacher, vice principal, and other roles in the Department and noted a high priority is to assess where the Department is at this point by seeking out and getting input from the field from all tri-level (school, state, and complex level) personnel. He shared that he has been fortunate enough to work alongside experienced and committed educators throughout his career and will reach out to assess where the Department is working to identify areas that need to continue to move forward to return students to campus and support students to ensure success.

Board Chairperson Payne called for a roll call vote on the secondary motion to amend the main motion. The secondary motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Vice Chairperson Uemura, Board Members Asher, Barcarse, Fallin, Namauʻu, Takeno, and Voss). Board Member Barcarse seconded.

Board Chairperson Payne called for a roll call vote on the amended main motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Vice Chairperson Uemura, Board Members Asher, Barcarse, Fallin, Namauʻu, Takeno, and Voss). Board Member Barcarse seconded.


ACTION: Motion to (1) appoint Keith Hayashi as interim superintendent with an annual salary rate of $210,000, effective upon the end of Christina Kishimoto’s tenure as superintendent and until the start date of a new superintendent to be appointed by the Board, and (2) direct Kishimoto to work with Hayashi as incoming interim superintendent on the leadership transition upon his appointment, including ensuring he has access to information and leadership personnel, getting his input on decisions affecting the school system, and keeping him apprised of any statewide issues affecting the Department. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.



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


Susan Pcola-Davis, public, testified in favor of the highly effective rating for the state librarian and emphasized that it is important for the Board to support the state librarian.


Board Member Takeno, Human Resources Committee Chairperson, stated that the committee recommended approving the following ratings for Stacey Aldrich’s, State Librarian, 2020-2021 end-of-year evaluation:

Standard 1: Visionary Leadership and Organizational CultureHighly Effective
Standard 2: Operations, Resources, and Personnel ManagementHighly Effective
Standard 3: Board Governance and PolicyEffective
Standard 4: Communication and Community RelationsHighly Effective
Standard 5: Ethical LeadershipHighly Effective
Component 1 (Professional Standards) Overall RatingHighly Effective
State Librarian Priority 1Effective
State Librarian Priority 2Effective
State Librarian Priority 3Effective
Component 2 (State Librarian Priorities) Overall RatingEffective
Overall Final RatingHighly Effective

Board Chairperson Payne expressed appreciation to Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian for all that she has done to make sure libraries remained as integral resources for our community.


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


ACTION: Motion to approve the following ratings for Aldrich’s 2020-2021 end-of-year evaluation:

Standard 1: Visionary Leadership and Organizational CultureHighly Effective
Standard 2: Operations, Resources, and Personnel ManagementHighly Effective
Standard 3: Board Governance and PolicyEffective
Standard 4: Communication and Community RelationsHighly Effective
Standard 5: Ethical LeadershipHighly Effective
Component 1 (Professional Standards) Overall RatingHighly Effective
State Librarian Priority 1Effective
State Librarian Priority 2Effective
State Librarian Priority 3Effective
Component 2 (State Librarian Priorities) Overall RatingEffective
Overall Final RatingHighly Effective
(Human Resources Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

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


Corey Rosenlee, Hawaii State Teachers Association (“HSTA”), stood on his written testimony.


David Miyashiro, HawaiiKidsCAN, testified that his primary concern is the plan’s lack of specificity around key items such as program selection, needs assessments, and the acceleration learning framework and referred to HawaiiKidsCAN’s written testimony, which includes specific examples from other state plans that demonstrate the level of detail which inspires confidence. He emphasized the statements made by FIC Committee members regarding requiring the Department to provide more details in August, urging the Department to gather public feedback beyond principals and school community councils, and noting that there is an opportunity for the Board to put forward a policy agenda that sets a bold and clear direction with a once in a generation influx of funding for education.


Susan Pcola-Davis, public, testified that the Board should table action to allow time to review the application, receive testimonies, and review other states' submissions. She stated that the Board needs to understand how the ESSER III funds will be spent.


Board Member Voss, Finance and Infrastructure Committee Chairperson, stated that the FIC Committee recommended to approve the proposed ESSER III State Plan, as attached to Kishimoto’s memorandum dated June 17, 2021, for submission to the U.S. Department of Education (“USDOE”) with the understanding that this approval does not reflect the Board’s approval of any specific expenditures. He clarified that the Department will provide the Board with a detailed and comprehensive expenditure and allocation plan in August for all federal funds including, but not limited to, ESSER II and ESSER III funds.


Board Vice Chairperson Uemura stated he attended the FIC Committee meeting and shared comments as an ex-officio member. He expressed his appreciation that FIC Chairperson Voss made sure it was clear that the Board was approving the application and not the expenditure of the funds. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura noted that the Board should have been able to review a detailed and comprehensive plan before approving the application. He stated that because the Department has not provided enough information for him to make an informed decision, he will not be voting to approve the application.


Board Chairperson Payne called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with Board Members Asher, Barcarse, Fallin, Namauʻu, Takeno, and Voss voting aye, and Board Vice Chairperson Uemura voting nay.


ACTION: Motion to approve the proposed ESSER III State Plan, as attached to Kishimoto’s memorandum dated June 17, 2021, for submission to the U.S. Department of Education (Finance and Infrastructure Committee/no second required). The motion carried with six members voting aye and one member voting nay.

D. Board Action on amendment of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (“ESEA”) consolidated state plan to account for: shifting forward timelines by one year for identifying schools and shifting forward timelines by one year for meeting measurements of interim progress and long-term goals due to COVID-19


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


Lisa Morrison, HSTA, testified in support of the Department’s accountability waiver and stated that the Department could have applied for a waiver from federally mandated testing for the 2020-2021 school year to maximize student learning time, but did not do so and has never explained why. She stated that it would have been wise to apply for a waiver from testing and that the Department should not confuse federal mandates with what is done to help students.


Board Chairperson Payne called on Kishimoto to present the Department’s recommended amendment of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (“ESEA”) consolidated state plan to account for shifting forward timelines by one year for identifying schools and shifting forward timelines by one year for meeting measurements of interim progress and long-term goals due to COVID-19. Kishimoto introduced Glenn Nochi, Evaluation Specialist, Accountability Section, Office of Strategy, Innovation, Performance, and Innovation.

Nochi provided a presentation on the ESEA accountability waiver for the 2020-2021 school year. He explained that ESEA requires states to design and implement school and accountability systems and that on February 2021, the USDOE offered states the opportunity to request a waiver from certain school accountability requirements. Nochi stated that the Department submitted its waiver request on May 26, 2021 and on June 9, 2021 USDOE approved the waiver request. He noted that approval was received after the memorandum for the meeting was submitted to the Board so the memorandum does not mention the approval. Nochi explained the timeline of the key steps the Department took regarding the ESEA waiver request.

Nochi stated that the ESEA waiver allows the Department to waive measurements for interim progress and long-term goals. He explained states are required to report progress on targets for long-term goals until 2027 and measurements of interim progress until 2022 for proficiency in English language arts and math, graduation rates, and English learner proficiency for students. Nochi also explained that ESEA waiver subgroups include three high-needs areas, students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, English learners and seven ESEA ethnicity subgroups.

Nochi shared that the ESEA waiver allows waiving the participation penalty for English language arts and math proficiency rates because once participation drops below 95% a penalty is usually applied. He stated that the waiver also allows the Department to waive identification of subgroups and identification of low performing schools as comprehensive support and improvement (“CSI”), additional targeted support, and targeted support and improvement (“TSI”), or consistently underperforming. He explained that certain reporting requirements for state report cards such as growth results, progress towards long-term goals and measurements of interim progress will also be waived, although the Department may provide the report this year. He stated that USDOE allowed waiving growth since it would require a current year and prior year of test scores; however, since all states waived testing in the 2019-2020 school year the Department is considering the use of a skip year model to use results from the 2018-2019 school year and the testing from 2020-2021 to measure growth.

Nochi explained that the ESEA waiver requires CSI and TSI schools to maintain their status through the 2021-2022 school year and continue to implement support improvement plans . He stated that in addition to existing ESEA reporting requirements, the waiver reiterated the importance of reporting assessment results for achievement and chronic absenteeism rates. Nochi stated that CSI and TSI schools must be identified in Fall 2022 and that the Department would need to report data on student and teacher access to technology devices and internet connectivity, to the extent the data collected by the state will need to be reported. He stated that the Department is prepared to provide meaningful data on device connectivity.

Nochi outlined the impacts of the waiver noting that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, instruction has varied across schools throughout the school year due to challenges of access to digital devices, connectivity issues, and various learning modalities. He stated that because all of these issues impact student achievement, it is important for the Department to provide contextual information to accompany results. Nochi also stated that the Department’s School Transformation Branch must provide CSI and TSI schools with support of school improvement planning technical assistance, support and monitoring visits, supportive partnerships with schools and complex areas, and facilitated connections to tri-level and external partner supports. Nochi stated that the same branch must provide CSI and TSI schools with resources, including complex academic officers or CSI resource teachers, Title I linkers, and guidance and tools. He shared that the public was able to comment on the Department’s ESEA waiver from April 29 to May 12, 2021.

Board Member Barcarse moved to approve the ESEA consolidated state plan as amended by Attachment A of Kishimoto’s memorandum dated June 17, 2021. Board Member Asher seconded.


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


ACTION: Motion to approve the ESEA consolidated state plan as amended by Attachment A of Superintendent Kishimoto’s memorandum dated June 17, 2021 (Barcarse/Asher). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.



Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one provided oral testimony at this time.


Board Chairperson Payne called on Kishimoto to present the Department’s recommendation on a general waiver to allow the reduction of the 180-day school year and 1,080 student instructional hours, pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes (“HRS”) Section 302A-251 and consistent with revisions to the Department’s 2020-2021 school calendar.

Kishimoto stated that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, school campuses were shut down last school year and at the beginning of the current school year the number of COVID-19 cases began to peak substantially, so the first nine days of the school year were converted to non-instructional days for training on COVID-19 mitigation strategies and professional development in distance learning. She stated the Board adopted the revised 2020-2021 school year calendar at its special meeting held on July 30, 2020 with the conversion of the nine student instructional days (or 54 hours) to non-instructional. Kishimoto explained that Board Policy 500-20, authorizes the Board to grant a general waiver from specific administrative rules, policies, and procedures under its jurisdiction or specific statutory provisions, as allowed by law, to apply to all schools under the same circumstances. Kishimoto stated that she believes the general waiver is warranted and the Board deferred action on the waiver on July 30, 2020 pending the outcome of labor negotiations with the unions; however, those discussions are still ongoing. She also stated that during the SAC meeting on February 18, 2021, the Department requested the Board consider action for a general waiver of school days and student hours requirements pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 302A-251.

Board Member Barcarse moved to grant a general waiver to the school day and student hour requirements of HRS Section 302A-251 for the 2020-2021 school year consistent with the Board-approved revisions to the 2020-2021 official school calendar equaling a reduction of nine student instructional days and 54 student hours.
Board Member Namau‘u seconded.

Board Member Voss noted that the minutes from the February 18, 2021 Student Achievement Committee meeting reflect that Rodney Luke, Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance stated that unions have agreed to negotiate restoring three student instructional days to the school calendar. He asked if the Department made a request to the unions to restore at least three student instructional days to the 2020-2021 school calendar.

Kishimoto replied that Department hoped to open schools at the beginning of the school year, but conditions changed drastically and it became more difficult. She stated that as it got better the Department looked at opening for the fourth quarter and focusing efforts on an expanded summer school. She noted that there were ongoing discussions with the unions overall about what was possible and that it was not just about whether three school days could be added, but rather it was about all conditions that could happen.

Board Member Voss stated that notwithstanding the Department’s representations to the Board, the Department did not propose that the unions add instructional days to the 2020-2021 school year. He asked if any of the unions proposed adding three or more student instructional days to the 2020-2021 school year. Kishimoto replied that unions did not propose adding days to the calendar but there were discussions in terms of what was viable.

Board Member Voss stated that for whatever reason, students got the short end of the stick. He questioned whether a general waiver of mandatory statutory requirements is permissible under the statute, which discusses the Board’s discretion to grant a waiver to any individual school and the reference to Board policy is for the school community council waivers, which this is clearly not. He stated that because the request is not in the best interest of students he will be voting against this measure.

Board Member Fallin stated that this action is retroactive and asked what are the legal implications if the Board does not approve the requested waiver.

Kishimoto explained that the Department would not be complying with statute. She stated that this year the Department was under an executive emergency order and that Boards approved waivers of days across the nation. Kishimoto noted she discussed the waivers with the Board, the attorney general’s office, the governor’s office, and unions. She stated there were attempts to maximize student hours and review instructional hours, but the Department was working under conditions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kishimoto noted that she received guidance from the attorney general that a general waiver is allowable under law and during labor negotiations with the unons, the Department was forced to discuss furloughs so there was no movement on reinstating student hours.

Board Member Fallin stated the agenda item is retroactive since the school year is over and the number of days and hours has already been set. She asked about the implications if the Board did not take action.

Kishimoto replied that she would need to get legal guidance on what will happen if the Board does not take action as this was brought up during the year and the Board deferred decision-making until the end of the school year. She restated that the Department was dealing with an emergency proclamation and emergency orders are additional things that need to be considered, as well as the impact of furloughs; however, after avoiding furloughs the Department is back with the original proposal. She stated that she would need to obtain legal advice on whether this means the Board is committed to adding nine instructional days.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura asked for clarification on deferring action for the reasons raised by Board Member Voss, because of negotiations with the unions, and why the issue was never brought back to the Board. He stated that in the Board’s February meeting minutes Phyllis Unebasami, Deputy Superintendent stated that the Department would be coming back to the Board to request a waiver, so he is assuming this is the action. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura echoed Board Member
Fallin’s concerns that this action is coming before the Board when the school year has ended, so the Board has no choice but to approve the action item. He stated that HRS 302A-251, subsection g requires the Department to submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the legislature and that the report is the progress and efforts to meet requirements of such sections a, b, c, and d regarding the lost hours. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura asked if the Department submitted the report.

Kishimoto replied that she will check on the report and would like to make sure she provides an accurate response. Board Vice Chairperson Uemura replied that it is a fair request but this report included the Department, Board, unions and the governor; however, the Board was not aware of this so he would like a report back on this.

Board Vice Chairperson Uemura echoed Board Member Voss’s concerns about not complying with the law and the resulting repercussions. He stated that it may be best to defer action until the Board can get the information it needs for an upcoming meeting.

Board Member Takeno asked for insight on Kishimoto’s statement relating to Governor David Ige’s emergency orders, which insinuated that the waiver of certain statutes would be permissible and Board action would not be required.


Kishimoto stated that the requested waiver is not explicitly in Governor Ige’s emergency orders, so the Board needs to take action. She stated that the Department asked this question early on and it was established at the beginning of the school year that this would need to come back to the Board. Kishimoto also stated that it was permissible to be treated by the Board as one action as opposed to naming all schools individually since the impact is across every single school in the state.


Board Member Takeno asked if Kishimoto raising the emergency orders because they allow a general waiver because statute says that the Board will need to name individual schools. Kishimoto replied that the emergency orders were raised because the COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on instructional hours, which caused the conversations to switch from instructional hours to the furlough impact.


Board Member Takeno stated that a plain reading of the statute does not give the Board the ability to provide a statewide exemption and asked if this general waiver is related to the emergency orders or if the Board can do this at any given time irrespective of a pandemic. Kishimoto replied that under Board Policy 500-20 the Board is allowed to issue a general waiver whether there is an emergency order in place or not.


Board Chairperson Payne stated that since there are other questions and the attorney general is not present to provide guidance she would like to know if the Board prefers to vote or get input on the matter before proceeding. Board Member Takeno stated that he prefers getting legal advice before the Board takes action on this agenda item.

Board Member Barcarse concurred that he would like to get further clarification from the attorney general since there are many unanswered questions.


Board Chairperson Payne clarified that Ryan Roylo, Deputy Attorney General is present and has heard the conversation.


Roylo stated that he will consult with the deputy attorney general’s that advised Kishimoto regarding the Board’s authority to issue a general waiver and get back to the Board with further guidance.


Board Member Barcarse withdrew his motion. Board Chairperson Payne asked if there was any objection to withdraw the motion. There were no objections, and the motion was withdrawn. Board Member Takeno seconded.


Board Member Fallin moved to defer action on this matter until the Board is able to clarify issues with its deputy attorney general. Board Member Takeno seconded.


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


ACTION: Motion to defer action on this matter until the Board is able to clarify issues with its attorney (Fallin/Takeno). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


School
Waiver From
Purpose
Ahuimanu ElementaryHawaii Revised Statutes (“HRS”) 302A-2514 waiver days for professional development
Baldwin HighHRS 302A-2514 waiver days for professional development
Barbers Point ElementaryHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Blanche Pope ElementaryHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Ewa ElementaryHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Haiku ElementaryHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Heeia ElementaryHRS 302A-2514 waiver days for professional development
Highlands IntermediateHRS 302A-2511 waiver day for professional development
Hilo IntermediateHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Holualoa ElementaryHRS 302A-251Staggered start for grades K-1
Honokaa High and IntermediateHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Iao IntermediateHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Kaelepulu ElementaryHRS 302A-2511 waiver day for professional development
Kaelepulu ElementaryHawaii State Teachers Association Collective Bargaining Agreement (“HSTA CBA”), Article VI: Section CCTo implement a schedule of more than 310 minutes of “Other Time”
Kahuku High and IntermediateHRS 302A-2515 waiver days for professional development
Kailua ElementaryHRS 302A-2514 waiver days for non-instructional days
Kailua HighHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Kaimiloa ElementaryHRS 302A-2513 waiver days for professional development
Kalama IntermediateHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Kaleiopuu ElementaryHRS 302A-2511 waiver day for professional development
Kamalii ElementaryHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Kaneohe ElementaryHRS 302A-2514 waiver days for professional development
Kapolei HighHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Kapolei HighHSTA CBA, Article VI: Teacher Work HoursAllow 35-hour work week for teachers
Kaunakakai ElementaryHRS 302A-2514 waiver days for professional development
Keaau ElementaryHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Keaau HighHRS 302A-2511 waiver day for professional development
King IntermediateHRS 302A-2514 waiver days for professional development
King Kamehameha III
Elementary
HRS 302A-2514 waiver days for staff collaboration
King Kekaulike HighHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
King Kekaulike HighHRS 302A-251Modified assessment schedule for seniors
Kula ElementaryHRS 302A-2511 waiver day for professional development
Lahaina IntermediateHRS 302A-2514 waiver days for professional development
Lahainaluna HighHRS 302A-251, Board Policy 500-262 waiver days for student orientation
Lihikai ElementaryHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Makawao ElementaryHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Maui Waena IntermediateHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Maunaloa ElementaryHRS 302A-2514 waiver days for professional development
Mokapu ElementaryHRS 302A-2514 waiver days for professional development
Molokai HighHRS 302A-2516 waiver days for professional development
Molokai HighHRS 302A-251Pilot a blended, accelerated learning model bell schedule of 1,565 traditional instructional minutes per week to align with the community supported school design
Molokai MiddleHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Mountain View ElementaryHRS 302A-2513 waiver days for professional development
OlomanaHRS 302A-2511 waiver day for professional development
Pearl City ElementaryHRS 302A-2511 waiver day for professional development
Pomaikai ElementaryHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Puu Kukui ElementaryHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Puu Kukui ElementaryHRS 302A-251One week for kindergarten orientation
Pukalani ElementaryHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Roosevelt HighHRS 302A-251Modified assessment schedule for students
Roosevelt HighHRS 302A-251To have a modified finals week schedule
Stevenson MiddleHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Sunset Beach ElementaryHRS 302A-2514 waiver days for professional development
Waihee ElementaryHRS 302A-2512 waiver days for professional development
Waihee ElementaryHSTA CBA, Article XVI: Section BMove one teacher workday out of the first week of school
Waikele ElementaryHRS 302A-2511 waiver day for professional development
Waimea Canyon MiddleHRS 302A-2511 early release day per quarter for planning and articulation
Waimea Canyon MiddleHRS 302A-2511 waiver day for professional development
Waipahu HighHRS 302A-2511 waiver day for professional development

Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one provided oral testimony at this time.


Board Chairperson Payne called on Polly Quigley, Educational Specialist of the Office of Strategy, Innovation, Performance, and Innovation, to present the recommendation on the School Community Council (“SCC”) requests for waivers from statutory provisions, collective bargaining agreement provisions, and Board policies for the 2021-2022 school year.


Quigley stated that each year a number of schools submit SCC waiver requests, which are designed to enhance flexibility in order to facilitate school improvement. She explained that the requests submitted have been reviewed by the SCC exception committee and forwarded to the Board for final approval.


Board Chairperson Payne stated that she serves on the review committee along with representatives from the Department and HSTA.


Board Member Namau‘u moved to approve the SCC waiver requests listed in the table above for the 2021-2022 school year. Board Member Barcarse seconded.


Board Member Fallin asked for clarification as to whether all academic financial (“Act/Fin”) plans are approved for the next school year since the statute reads that the principal ensures the SCC waiver request will align with the Act/Fin plan. Board Chairperson Payne explained the principal and complex area superintendent signs and approves the Act/Fin plan and that all plans were approved.


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


ACTION: Motion to approve the SCC waiver requests listed in the table above for the 2021-2022 school year (Namau‘u/Barcarse). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


VI.
Late Public Testimony on Board Agenda Items


Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony from any individuals who did not have an opportunity to testify on earlier agenda items.


Lisa Morrison, public, testified on agenda item V.E, “Board Action on general waiver to allow reduction of the 180 day school year and 1,080 student instructional hours pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 302A-251, consistent with revisions to the Department of Education’s 2020-2021 school calendar.” She stated that the Department could have restored all of the lost instructional days by eliminating federally mandated testing this school year.


Susan Pcola-Davis, public, testified on agenda item V.D, “Board Action on amendment of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (“ESEA”) consolidated state plan to account for: shifting forward timelines by one year for identifying schools and shifting forward timelines by one year for meeting measurements of interim progress and long-term goals due to COVID-19.” She asked why Board approval was needed when it was submitted and stated that this is another example of Kishimoto not including the Board. She also stated the Department opened a public comment survey, but a waiver was already submitted.


Susan Pcola-Davis, public, testified on agenda item V.E, “Board Action on general waiver to allow reduction of the 180 day school year and 1,080 student instructional hours pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 302A-251, consistent with revisions to the Department of Education’s 2020-2021 school calendar.” She stated that the Board decided to wait until negotiations were completed so the motion was withdrawn, but it was incumbent on Kishimoto to ask to place this on the agenda and ask the Board to take action after it is already done.


Susan Pcola-Davis, public, testified on agenda item V.F, “Board Action on the School Community Council (“SCC”) request for exceptions to collective bargaining agreements, statutory waivers, and waivers of Board policy for School Year 2021-2022.” She stated many of the waivers are for professional development, but this was taken out of the budget and the schools will now need to pay for these days.


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

Name
Organization
Agenda Item
Sandra YorongFriends of Waipahu High School, PresidentV. A. Board Action on findings and recommendations of Investigative Committee (a permitted interaction group pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 92-2.5(b)(1)) investigating issues relating to the search for a superintendent, including transition timeline and process, recommendation for an interim superintendent, search timeline and process, and composition of group conducting search: interim superintendent
Alexandra MarshallIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Geoffrey SatoIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Felicity RaugustIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Emily HuffIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Corey RosenleeHawaii State Teachers Association (“HSTA”), PresidentIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year; V. D. Board Action on the amendment of the ESEA consolidated state plan to account for: shifting forward timelines by one year for identifying schools and shifting forward timelines by one year for meeting measurements of interim progress and long-term goals due to COVID-19
Diana Forsell Tayan & Brad TayanIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Kristin FernandezIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Edward AnastasIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Salena LeeIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Kristina Millies IV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Audrey PasionIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Marichris Diga-LazoIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Pauline YuIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Michelle KaawaIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Hanna BlumenfeldIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Alyssa FungIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Kristin LaitilaV. B. Board Action on Human Resource Committee recommendation concerning State Librarian’s evaluation for 2020-2021 Fiscal Year: end-of-year evaluation
Katy ClementsIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Julie KingIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Lynn OtaguroIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Cheri NakamuraHE‘E CoalitionIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year; & V. A. Board Action on findings and recommendations of Investigative Committee (a permitted interaction group pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 92-2.5 (b)(1)) investigating issues relating to the search for a superintendent, including transition timeline and process, recommendation for an interim superintendent, search timeline and process, and composition of group conducting search: interim superintendent
Michelle KaawaIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Tina LiaIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Amy EckIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
David MiyashiroHawaiiKidsCANIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Krisztina SamuIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Loree SearcyIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Cheyenne BruemmerIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Faith SeimIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Martha Guinan
Ivalee Sinclair
Special Education Advisory Council (“SEAC”)IV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Maria RossmanIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Chantelle FernandezIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Nathan CotterIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Kristin MatsudaIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Lucy BellIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Sheena JeesupIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Jennifer CarmanIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Michelle MelendezIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Maria RizzoIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Rosemarie JauchIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Nicole DeCostaIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Nicole LorenzoIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Sara McDiarmidIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Kathryn JohnsonIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Susan Pcola-DavisIII. A. Human Resource Committee Report on (1) Committee Action on recommendation concerning State Librarian’s evaluation for 2020-2021 Fiscal Year: end-of-year evaluation; III. B. Finance and Infrastructure Committee Report on: (1) Committee Action on recommendation concerning the Department of Education’s plan for use of federal funds in third round of the Education Stabilization Fund’s ESSER fund authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021; IV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year; V. A. Board Action on findings and recommendations of Investigative Committee (a permitted interaction group pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 92-2.5(b)(1)) investigating issues relating to the search for a superintendent, including transition timeline and process, recommendation for an interim superintendent, search timeline and process, and composition of group conducting search: interim superintendent; V. B. Board Action on Human Resources Committee recommendation concerning State Librarian’s evaluation for the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year: end-of-year evaluation; V. C. Board action on Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommendation concerning Department of Education’s plan for use of federal funds in third round of the Education Stabilization Fund’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (“ESSER”) Fund authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
Catherine Picardo DiazIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Faith MatangiIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Lisa KermanIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Stephanie CampbellIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Cassandra RameyIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
John Heideman IV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year
Janelle Williams RoldanIV. A. Presentation on Board resolution on opening of schools for the 2021-2022 School Year

VII.
Adjournment


Board Chairperson Payne adjourned the meeting at 5:02 p.m.