STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

MINUTES

Queen Liliuokalani Building
1390 Miller Street, Room 404
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Thursday, September 21, 2023

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

EXCUSED:
Shanty Asher

ALSO PRESENT:
Ahryanna McGuirk, Student Representative
Colonel Angenene L. Robertson, Military Representative
Tammi Oyadomari-Chun, Deputy Superintendent of Strategy, Department of Education
Heidi Armstrong, Deputy 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
Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian, Hawaii State Public Library System
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Lady Garrett, Secretary


I. Call to Order

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


II. Approval of Meeting Minutes of August 24, 2023 General Business Meeting

Board Chairperson Haruki asked Board members to review the Board’s August 24, 2023, General Business Meeting minutes.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to approve the Board’s August 24, 2023, General Business Meeting minutes. Board Member Kuraya seconded.

Board Chairperson Haruki 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.

ACTION: Motion to approve the Board’s August 24, 2023, General Business Meeting minutes (Barcarse/Kuraya). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


III. Report of the Superintendent

The Board took agenda items III.A and III.B together.

Board Chairperson Haruki called on Tammi Oyadomari-Chun, Deputy Superintendent of Strategy, to provide the report of the superintendent.

Oyadomari-Chun noted that the Department updated the previously submitted meeting materials. She outlined the various available supports for students and shared that the employee assistance program has expanded services. Oyadomari-Chun stated that schools are planning additional support for students, and all Department staff have been placed based on their preferences and needs of the schools, in coordination with union partners. She stated that some employee reassignments are to Central Maui school locations who received high enrollments of students from Lahaina.

Oyadomari-Chun stated that the Department achieved active contact with 97% of families at this time. She emphasized that reaching out to the affected families was a big task and expressed gratitude that the Department has achieved active contact with more students. Oyadomari-Chun explained that as more options become available for students in-person, the Department is able to gather more information. She explained that the Department is targeting for Lahaina schools to return to campus after fall break. Oyadomari-Chun shared that King Kamehameha III Elementary School students will be co-located at Princess Nāhi’ena’ena Elementary School, in additional temporary classrooms. She shared that the additional classrooms will assist with the return to campus options and announced that more information would be forthcoming next week from Governor Josh Green regarding a temporary school location in West Maui for King Kamehameha III Elementary.

Oyadomari-Chun noted that many families are displaced due to the wildfires and the McKinney-Vento counts increased from 79 to 848. She explained that displaced students receive free lunch and transportation to and from their home school locations.

Oyadomari-Chun outlined the Lahaina complex school reopening preparations included testing for air, water, and soil quality; professionally cleaned indoor spaces, facilities and grounds; stable electricity; broadband internet sufficient for business operations and learning; and, telephones. Oyadomari-Chun noted that the employees from King Kekaulike High School expressed happiness with the quality of cleaning and acknowledged that debris removal is ongoing in order to get most of the work completed during the fall break.

Oyadomari-Chun shared that Hawaiian Telcom provided a solution for Lāhaināluna High School that will help the entire community until the phone restoration is complete. Since the campuses are closed, the Communications Office is still responding to calls to the schools.

Oyadomari-Chun outlined that the options for students include student transportation from the West side to Central and South Maui. Transportation started on September 7 from Kapalua airport, Whalers Village, and War Memorial Gym for elementary and middle school students. She explained that student transportation for high school students will start on September 15, and shared that the Department has been able to use tour buses to transport students, given the Governor’s emergency proclamation. Buses are also available for students participating in extracurricular activities.

Oyadomari-Chun stated that a West Maui learning hub for Kaiapuni students started last week, adding students on September 14. She stated that the program includes ‘āina-based field trips with over 100 students participating in the program. The Distance-learning hub opened September 19 with 353 students in a hybrid-distance learning program that provides in-person opportunities for teacher support, peer socialization, meals, social-emotional learning, and mental health support. Oyadomari-Chun shared that Kindergarten to grade 3 attend in the morning, and then grades 4 to 8 attend in the middle of the school day.

Oyadomari-Chun stated that Lāhaināluna High School students are meeting at Kūlanihāko’i High School and noted that although it is crowded, it is exciting to have students attending school. She expressed appreciation that the University of Hawaii offered free tuition for all Lāhaināluna High School seniors attending University of Hawaii or its community colleges. She stated that the Communication office will continue with the hotline, with approximately 715 calls received thus far, ranging in common topics such as enrollment, student records, and donations.

Oyadomari-Chun stated that the United States Department of Education’s Disaster Response Unit will conduct an onsite visit and the Department anticipates additional technical assistance, waivers from federal requirements, and additional funding. She also stated that the Department continues to engage with the Hawaii Congressional delegation for assistance.

Oyadomari-Chun expressed appreciation for the efforts to support our students and employees. She explained that the official student enrollment count takes place a couple of weeks after the beginning of the school year; however, due to school closures the numbers will change. The Department will be making adjustments for enrollment later in the year.

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

Kurt Fevella, State Senator, District 20 (‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages) testified on agenda item III.A, entitled “Maui Wildfires Impacts.” He expressed concern about the student enrollment in Maui and asked if the Department has an exact count relating to who is missing. Fevella also shared concerns about reports in the media of students experiencing bullying and asked how the Department addressed these problems. He emphasized that he would like extra precautions taken to address these issues between now and before the students return.

Manuel Kuloloio, Kuloloi‘a Lineage - Ke Kai o Kuloloi‘a, testified on agenda item III.A, entitled “Maui Wildfires Impacts.” He expressed concern about the meeting materials and asked for clarification on the number of students actively contacted by the Department. He requested that the Department verify that the keiki (children) are safe.

Heidi Armstrong, Deputy Superintendent, stated that the Department does not tolerate bullying in our schools and emphasized the importance of providing specific information to the Department who can work directly with the schools to address these issues. She expressed appreciation for any additional information from Senator Fevella. Armstrong noted that the Department has built up mental health support free for all students through tele-therapy provided by Hazel Health, which has been a valuable resource. The Department also has a contract with Beyond Consequences Institute, which created a series of trauma-informed modules as a resource for teachers. Armstrong stated that the complex works with The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, community partners including the Department of Health, Queens Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente and the Office of Student Support Services to provide onsite support as requested by the schools. Armstrong stated that an existing grant would provide a mental health professional position for each of Maui’s schools to provide additional support for Maui schools.

Board Member McClellan stated that bullying existed prior to the wildfires and asked what additionally can educate our students on kindness. Armstrong replied that the Office of Hawaiian Education has exemplary protocols emphasized in HĀ (breath) which provides a sense of belonging. She stated that the outreach for their services has increased tenfold to help students handle the unfortunate experience.

Board Member McClellan shared about a school who had to deal with a bullying situation and opted to put the child in a leadership group and the student is now thriving. She noted that this is a delicate situation and dealing with massive trauma and it is important to maximize the exemplary situations.

Board Member Dukelow shared about an experience she learned about from a parent of a student at King Kekaulike High School and shared that the personal phone call from the Department has helped their family.

Oyadomari-Chun clarified that the Department understands that family situations are dynamic right now in terms of housing and employment. She noted that the Department has tried to make options available for students as their situation changes. The initial recommendation was to tell families wherever you are to go to school and the Department has to urge schools across the state to accept students.

Oyadomari-Chun stated that active contact means that there has been some kind of contact and a response received. The Department is managing many lists, including phone calls to families, which has not been simple. She explained that the Department is still pursuing contact with 70 students at this time.

Board Member Dukelow expressed appreciation for the work and asked for clarification about the options for families who are not confident returning to schools. Oyadomari-Chun replied that there are unknown issues relating to the removal of debris and the Department is seeking more information on what to anticipate. She explained that distance learning might be an option for some families and may be necessary if the environment is unsafe.

Oyadomari-Chun stated that the wildfires in Kula also affected families, and this serves as a reminder that the impact was broad.

Board Member Moriarty expressed appreciation for the update and asked whether the Board can get an update on the Kula wildfire impacts. She also asked how the impacts of a federal government shutdown affect the wildfire recovery efforts, and what help the Department needs from the Board.

Oyadomari-Chun replied that in response to the wildfire in Kula, the Department closed King Kekaulike for cleanup efforts and Kula Elementary has been dealing with ongoing water quality issues because of the wildfires. She stated that in terms of a federal government shutdown, the Department does not foresee negative impacts in the short term but a long-term shutdown will result in a large impact. Oyadomari-Chun stated that in terms of McKinney-Vento, funding there will be no impact and for FEMA funding, the Department is working on a reimbursement basis.

Board Chairperson Haruki commended the Department for the flexibility, adaptability, and resilience, and stated that it is great to see the number is down to 70. He noted that this is progress in clarifying the previous misconceptions. Board Chairperson Haruki urged the Department to put the safety and health of the students and staff in the forefront including social emotional issues. He expressed appreciation for the University of Hawaii scholarship offer for seniors and commended Deputy Oyadomori-Chun for her leadership on enabling this to happen.

The meeting recessed at 2:52 p.m. and reconvened at 3:05 p.m.


IV. Committee Reports

Board Member and Finance and Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Kuraya reported that the Committee met on August 10, 2023, and there were three discussion items but item III.B. was taken before III.A. which was an update on the capital improvement projects, in order to address concerns relating to the Maui Wildfire impacts. He stated that the Committee received other presentations and he asked the Board to forward any questions to Brian Hallett, Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Fiscal Services and Curt Otaguro, Deputy Superintendent of Operations.


Board Member and Human Resources Committee Vice Chairperson McClellan reported that the committee took action on amendments to the employment contract with Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian, to increase her salary and received and discussed an update on Strategic Plan Desired Outcome 2.1.1, which focused on teacher positions filled for the opening of the 2023-2024 school year.


Board Member and Student Achievement Committee Chairperson Arakaki reported that the Committee met on August 10, 2023, about desired outcome 1.2.2. Deputy Armstrong and Annie Kalama, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Student Support Services covered the Hawaii Multi-Tiered Support System, as it relates to desired outcome 1.2.3. He shared that Cherilyn Inouye, Principal, Ka’elepulu Elementary School shared about the program referred to as aloha support. He also reported that on September 7, 2023, and update on desired outcome 1.2.1 - All students read proficiently with Armstrong, Daniel Hamada, Complex Area Superintendent, Kapa’a-Kaua’i-Waimea, Sean Doi, District Education Specialist, Kapa’a-Kaua’i-Waimea and Jason Yoshida, Principal, King Kaumuali’i Elementary School, reviewed their progress on key focus areas and initiatives.

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on agenda items IV.A, IV.B, and IV.C. No one testified at this time.


V. Action Items

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

Cheri Nakamura, HE‘E Coalition, testified in support of the recommendation to provide additional funding for small and remote schools. She noted that if a school is too small, weighted student formula (“WSF”) funds do not adequately cover the costs for small and rural schools. Nakamura expressed support for the comment from FIC Chairperson Kuraya to review the base funding to ensure some stability for schools.

Board Member and Finance and Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Kuraya moved, on behalf of the Finance and Infrastructure Committee, to approve the recommendations of the Committee on Weights XIII (“COW XIII”) regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years, as described in Kathleen Stanley’s, COW XIII Chairperson, memorandum dated September 7, 2023, with the understanding that before the Board and Department request funds from the Legislature, the Department has a discussion with the Kaiapuni programs to determine an appropriate fund request amount for Ka Papahana Kaiapuni.

Board Chairperson Haruki 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.

ACTION: Motion to approve the recommendations of the COW XIII regarding the Weighted Student Formula fund allocation for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years, as described in Stanley’s memorandum dated September 7, 2023, with the understanding that before the Board and Department request funds from the Legislature, the Department has a discussion with the Kaiapuni programs to determine an appropriate fund request amount for Ka Papahana Kaiapuni (Finance and Infrastructure Committee/no second required). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


Board Chairperson Haruki called on Sean Bacon, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Talent Management, to present the Department’s recommendation on the “Memorandum of Agreement between State of Board of Education and Hawaii Government Employees Association Bargaining Unit 06 (12-Month Vice Principals).”

Bacon stated that the Department is requesting the approval of the proposed memorandum of agreement to convert all Department vice principals from 10-month positions to 12-month positions, effective August 23, 2023.

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

Julie Reyes-Oda, member of the public, testified in support for the action that retroactively converts vice principals to 12-month positions. She noted that teacher differentials are still not included in the written agreement.

Kurt Fevella, State Senator, expressed concerns that the Department is top heavy, and he is not suggesting that the administration does not deserve the salary increase. He asked the Board to review the security attendant’s salary for equity and balance.

Bacon clarified that the Department tried to address issues with security attendant pay and noted that the educational assistant salary will go up one salary range this year retroactive to the start of the school year, with increases happening next school year.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to approve the “Memorandum of Agreement Between the State of Hawaii Board of Education and the Hawaii Government Employees Association (12-Month Vice Principals),” as attached to Hayashi’s memorandum dated September 21, 2023, and authorize Board Chairperson Haruki to execute the agreement on behalf of the Board. Board Member McClellan seconded.

Oyadomari-Chun asked Bacon to explain why the Board is approving Vice Principals but not Educational Assistants. Bacon clarified that the Board has authority for Bargaining Unit 5 and Bargaining Unit 6 but the Department and the Board does not have a vote according to statute for Bargaining Unit 3.

Board Member Moriarty asked what information has the Department received that monies will be available. Brian Hallett, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Fiscal Services, explained that the Department has received a verbal understanding regarding the available funds. Board Member Moriarty noted that the Department shared a challenging situation for the next fiscal year. Hallett stated that all parties continue to communicate with the legislature.

Board Chairperson Haruki asked for clarification if funding is available for this fiscal year. Hallett confirmed that funding is available for this fiscal year and noted that the remaining amount will be included in the supplemental budget request.

Board Chairperson Haruki 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.

ACTION: Motion to approve the “Memorandum of Agreement Between the State of Hawaii Board of Education and the Hawaii Government Employees Association (12-Month Vice Principals),” as attached to Hayashi’s memorandum dated September 21, 2023, and authorize Board Chairperson Haruki to execute the agreement on behalf of the Board (Barcarse/McClellan). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one testified on this agenda item.

Board Member and Human Resources Committee Vice Chairperson McClellan moved, on behalf of the Human Resources Committee, to approve the Second Amendment of the June 2, 2021 Employment Contract between Stacey Aldrich and the Board of Education, State of Hawaii, attached as Exhibit C to Board Member and Human Resources Committee Chairperson Shanty Asher’s memorandum dated August 10, 2023, and authorize the Board chairperson to execute the amendment on behalf of the Board, subject to approval as to form by the Board’s attorney.

Board Chairperson Haruki 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.

ACTION: Motion to approve the Second Amendment of the June 2, 2021 Employment Contract between Stacey Aldrich and the Board of Education, State of Hawaii, attached as Exhibit C to Board Member and Human Resources Committee Chairperson Shanty Asher’s memorandum dated August 10, 2023, and authorize the Board chairperson to execute the amendment on behalf of the Board, subject to approval as to form by the Board’s attorney (Human Resources Committee/no second required). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


VI. Discussion Items
Board Chairperson Haruki called on Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian, Hawaii State Public Library System (“HSPLS”), to present HSPLS’s strategic framework and areas of focus.

Aldrich stated that HSPLS has completed putting together its strategic framework and focus areas. She outlined the process and noted that HSPLS received over 18,000 responses across the state and looked at what is happening in libraries with the executive team to read the data to look at trends and build upon. Aldrich highlighted patron responses on the importance of literacy and a place to access resources. She noted that the highest scores on what people want for the future include accessing technology, and industrial kitchens to provide an opportunity to connect to resources.

Aldrich stated that libraries bring people together to learn, read, and grow. She noted that the refreshed vision allows individuals who did not feel connected to the previous mission to provide input. She noted that the vision now states, “the HSPLS inspires curiosity and creates opportunities for all to read, learn, and connect.” She shared that everyone involved with the HSPLS contributed to the service philosophy and noted that the strategic framework is about people, place, and services.

Aldrich shared that HSPLS partners with organizations to strengthen literacy and shared that all staff completed training on “Every Child Deserves to Read.”

Aldrich stated that in the first year HSPLS would build the process and HSPLS would continue to have the summer reading program to help encourage families to read.

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one testified on this agenda item.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse expressed appreciation for the work done by HSPLS and noted that especially reaching out to several community stakeholders.

Board Member Moriarty expressed appreciation for the strategic framework and the process to gather input. She applauded the clear exposition of the priorities and asked about federal funding opportunities. Aldrich replied that she would look into potential federal funding opportunities.

Board Member Moriarty asked how the Board could support HSPLS. Aldrich replied that continued support and recognition of the libraries could support other initiatives.

Board Chairperson Haruki expressed appreciation for the presentation.


VII. Adjournment

Board Chairperson Haruki adjourned the meeting at 4:01 p.m.

List of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting


NAME
Organization
Agenda Item
Alexandra ObraWaiāhole Elementary School, PrincipalV.A. Board Action on recommendation concerning recommendations of the COW XIII regarding the WSF fund allocation for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years
Grace LandezaV.A. Board Action on recommendation concerning recommendations of the COW XIII regarding the WSF fund allocation for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years
Mark HinesKupu Hou Academy, DirectorV.A. Board Action on recommendation concerning recommendations of the COW XIII regarding the WSF fund allocation for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years
Jennifer Luke-PayneKaaawa Elementary School, PrincipalV.A. Board Action on recommendation concerning recommendations of the COW XIII regarding the WSF fund allocation for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years
Cheri NakamuraHE’E CoalitionV.A. Board Action on recommendation concerning recommendations of the COW XIII regarding the WSF fund allocation for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years
Vanessa OttIV.A. Finance and Infrastructure Committee Report on August 10, 2023 and September 7, 2023 meetings; IV.B. Human Resources Committee Report on August 10, 2023 meeting; IV.C. Student Achievement Committee Report on August 10, 2023 and September 7, 2023 meetings; V.C. Board Action on Human Resources Committee recommendation concerning amendments to state librarian employment contract to increase salary; VI.A. Presentation on HSPLSʻ Strategic Framework and Areas of Focus
Paula AdamsHawaii Afterschool AllianceIII.A. Report of the Superintendent, Maui Wildfire Impacts
Lea AlbertV.A. Board Action on recommendation concerning recommendations of the COW XIII regarding the WSF fund allocation for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years
C. BurghardtV.A. Board Action on recommendation concerning recommendations of the COW XIII regarding the WSF fund allocation for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years
Donell ThomasIII.A. Report of the Superintendent, Maui Wildfire Impacts
Haley van Weeman van NoordIII.A. Report of the Superintendent, Maui Wildfire Impacts