June 16, 2022

ALSO PRESENT:
Colonel Michael Minaudo, Military Representative
Keith Hayashi, Interim Superintendent, Department of Education
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Executive Secretary

Jessica Caiazzo testified on agenda item III.A, Executive Session: Deliberation concerning the authority of Board of Education (“Board”) Member authorized to represent the Board in supplemental bargaining with the Hawaii State Teachers Association (Bargaining Unit 5) and consultation with the Board’s attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the Board’s powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities concerning supplemental bargaining. She testified that parents should be involved in any discussion about investing the in the next generation, that discriminating against children based on vaccination and masking causes mental health issues, and questioned how the Department of Education’s (“Department”) policy positions support students and keep them in school.

Susan Pcola-Davis, testified on agenda item IV.C, Superintendent's Report: Update on Class of 2022 Graduations, career and technical education summer internships, summer learning opportunities, Seamless Summer Option Meal Program, COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidance for Summer, and Mental Health Acceptance Month. She testified on the lack of substance in the report and referenced her written testimony that contained examples of how the Department can meaningfully show progress and success.

Cynthia Bartlett, Moms for Liberty, testified on agenda item V.A, Board Action on Human Resources Committee recommendation concerning authority of Board Member authorized to represent the Board in supplemental bargaining with the Hawaii State Teachers Association (Bargaining Unit 5) to negotiate in accordance with Board Member advice. She asked that the Board consider splitting off from the National School Boards Association because it called parents domestic terrorists, asked that the Board not just duplicate gender and social affirmation, and stated that the Board should protect students from this pressure and social contagion.

Susan Pcola-Davis, testified on agenda item V.A, Board Action on Human Resources Committee recommendation concerning authority of Board Member authorized to represent the Board in supplemental bargaining with the Hawaii State Teachers Association (Bargaining Unit 5) to negotiate in accordance with Board Member advice. She testified that the Board should provide Board Member Arakaki with the same level of authorization it provided to former Board Member Margaret Cox in collective bargaining.

Cheri Nakamura, HEʻE Coalition, agenda item V.B, Board Action on Board Strategic Plan Data Categories. She testified in support of data categories, suggested increasing the frequency of reporting without burdening schools, supported testimony from Jim Shon, Susan Pcola-Davis, and the Special Education Advisory Council, and encouraged the Department to think about a way all the data can be connected in a comprehensive and systematic framework that everyone can understand.

Susan Pcola-Davis, agenda item V.B, Board Action on Board Strategic Plan Data Categories. She testified in strong support of the data categories, suggested that the Department provide interim reports to show progress, stated that the Board and Department should move together strategically to support students, and that data should be meaningful and understandable.

Antionette Fernandez, agenda item III.A, Executive Session: Deliberation concerning the authority of Board of Education (“Board”) Member authorized to represent the Board in supplemental bargaining with the Hawaii State Teachers Association (Bargaining Unit 5) and consultation with the Board’s attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the Board’s powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities concerning supplemental bargaining. She testified about a disturbing video that a school showed to her son as a part of the Department’s sexual education program.

A. Human Resource Committee Report on: (1) Committee Action on recommendation concerning authority of Board Member authorized to represent the Board in supplemental bargaining with the Hawaii State Teachers Association (Bargaining Unit 5) to negotiate in accordance with Board Member advice

Board Member and Human Resources Committee Vice Chairperson Asher reported that the Committee met in executive session to consult with the Board’s attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the Board’s powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities concerning Superintendent employment contract and to deliberate on the authority of the Board member authorized to represent the Board in supplemental bargaining with the Hawaii State Teachers Association (“HSTA”). She stated that the Committee also took action on the authority of the Board member authorized to represent the Board in supplemental bargaining with the HSTA, and I will provide the committee's recommendation later in the meeting.

B. Board Member Report on events attended: (1) A Gathering to Discuss a 25-year investment in Hawaii's Next Generation

Board Member Moriarty reported that four organizations (the Pacific American Foundation, the Kohala Institute, Kupu Hou Academy, and What School Could Be) convened a gathering of leaders from various sectors to meet in person at the Waiwai Collective on June 7, 2022 to discuss investing in students for the next 25 years. She stated that she learned more about what each organization is doing, where they are doing it, and exploring what each is doing to bring everyone together. Board Member Moriarty stated that attendees felt this was an excellent first step and expressed interest in exploring processes and protocols to work together. She stated that, as a Board, it is important to figure out how to connect with and tap into the wisdom of stakeholders.

Board Member Asher highlighted one question that spoke to her at the event was, “Do I want my child in this education system?” She stated that this question resonated with her because that is what she needs to figure out as a Board member. Board Member Asher said that the event brought organizations together with the people that work with students and the students themselves to see what everyone has been doing, what works, and where there are weaknesses. She strongly encouraged continuing this conversation and that she is learning to listen as a Board member and figuring out how to move forward to address equity.

C. Superintendent’s Report: Update on Class of 2022 Graduations, career and technical education summer internships, summer learning opportunities, Seamless Summer Option Meal Program, COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidance for Summer, and Mental Health Acceptance Month

Board Chairperson Payne called on Keith Hayashi, Interim Superintendent, Department, to provide his report.

Hayashi stated that some of the data in his oral report would differ from the written material because he would provide updated information. He stated that approximately 11,000 students graduated as a part of the Class of 2022 and encouraged Board members to watch the video linked in his report. Hayashi reported that Kealakehe High School Senior Kea E. Kahoilua-Clebsch was named as a 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholar. He reported that 399 students received a Seal of Biliteracy this year, evidencing their proficiency in more than one language.

Hayashi reported that there are summer learning opportunities at all grade levels and that the Department funded these opportunities with federal funds so there is no cost to students. He provided examples of some summer learning opportunities, which include learning hubs, the summer start kindergarten transition program, high school athletic camps, and learning opportunities for students receiving special education services and English learners. Hayashi stated that the Department has made counseling services available to students during summer. He reported that 86 schools are offering the Seamless Summer Option program, which provides free meals to children under 18. Hayashi reported on the third year of the summer internship program at Department state offices, which provides students with the opportunity to connect classroom learning with jobs.

Hayashi reported that the Department is maintaining existing COVID-19 guidance, which aligns with Department of Health guidance. Hayashi stated that he plans on meeting with the Department of Health next month for guidance on the next school year. He detailed the Department’s work on youth mental health and the realities of bullying.

V. Action Items

A. Board Action on Human Resources Committee recommendation concerning authority of Board Member authorized to represent the Board in supplemental bargaining with the Hawaii State Teachers Association (Bargaining Unit 5) to negotiate in accordance with Board Member advice

Board Chairperson Payne called on Board Member and Human Resources Committee Vice Chairperson Asher to present the recommendation from the Human Resources Committee concerning the authority of a Board member authorized to represent the Board in supplemental bargaining with the HSTA to negotiate in accordance with Board member advice

Board Member and Human Resources Committee Vice Chairperson Asher moved, on behalf of the Human Resources Committee, to authorize Board Member Arakaki to serve on the employer negotiation team for supplemental bargaining with HSTA Bargaining Unit 5 on behalf of the Board to provide input on the Board’s positions in accordance with advice provided by Board members in the executive session of the Human Resources Committee.

Board Member Voss recused himself from voting because of a conflict of interest with his wife being a teacher under Bargaining Unit 5.

Board Chairperson Payne called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried with Board Chairperson Payne and Board Members Asher, Fallin, Moriarty, Namauʻu voting aye and Board Members Arakaki and Voss abstaining.

ACTION: Motion to authorize Board Member Arakaki to serve on the employer negotiation team for supplemental bargaining with HSTA Bargaining Unit 5 on behalf of the Board to provide input on the Board’s positions in accordance with advice provided by Board members in the executive session of the Human Resources Committee (Human Resources Committee/no second required). The motion carried with five members voting aye and two abstaining.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Board has not taken action on a strategic plan since the expiration of the 2017-2020 Joint Strategic Plan. She noted that at its September 2, 2021 Special Meeting, the Board received training from the National Association of State Boards of Education (or “NASBE”) to build capacity for effective leadership and governance, establish major goals, and understand how these goals impact the Board’s search for a superintendent. She stated that part of NASBE’s presentation outlined how the timeline and process for a superintendent search could overlap and be integrated with goal setting and strategic planning. She noted that NASBE’s presentation described a 12-step strategic planning process.

Board Chairperson Payne noted that the Board completed the first step of the Board strategic plan process, context setting, through its work on the superintendent job description, namely gathering stakeholder input to develop the superintendent job description. She stated that the Board was now preparing to initiate the second step, data analysis. She explained that the Board could initiate this step by establishing categories of data that it would request from the Department and other agencies. She explained that the Board Chairperson would use these categories, work with NASBE on developing a more specific request, and submit this request to the Department and other applicable agencies. She stated that once the Board receives these data, it would schedule time to review the data.

Board Member Namau‘u moved to (1) approve the request for the categories of data described in Exhibit B of Board Chairperson Payne’s memorandum, dated June 16, 2022, in connection with the Board strategic plan process and (2) authorize the Board Chairperson to establish more specific data requests in alignment with these categories and submit a data request on behalf of the Board to the Department and any other relevant entities. Board Member Asher seconded.

Board Member Moriarty stated that she and Board Member Lynn Fallin attended an Education Commission of the States webinar on using data to support learning recovery. She said that one of the lessons she learned from this webinar is that you need to know the questions you want to ask before you collect data. Board Member Moriarty stated that she wants to know what some of the big questions are that the Board has where having data would help the Board decide on a direction. She provided an example of two different directions. Board Member Moriarty stated that the Board might be looking at two different pathways, developing a pipeline of next generation school leaders or eliminating the teacher gap. She stated that there would be different data categories for each, and in order to collect the necessary data, the Board would need to understand each issues and formulate a plan to improve.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that these data categories are not limiting and that a greater depth of discussion about qualitative data, not just objective numbers, might be required. She stated that this part of the discussion is important, but that discussions will continue beyond today. Board Chairperson Payne stated that it was interesting to engage in discussions with people in the community who represented different constituencies during the superintendent search and understand what was important to them.

Board Member Moriarty stated that she encourages providing national data sets and other comparative data sets (comparative school districts or states) where available. She stated that this data might have policy and directional implications.

Board Chairperson Payne noted that there is a motion on the floor, so Board members could add things to the data categories, but asked that Board members keep the data categories broad because granular categories will come out in during process, which will include discussions with the Department.

Board Member Voss stated that once the Board receives the data, it would schedule time to review it. He stated that, conceptually, the Board would make broad requests to the Department and other agencies. Board Member Voss stated that the Board would not necessarily understand all the data, but purpose of the meeting to review data is to analyze the data and perhaps request more data, including more granular or qualitative data. He clarified that this is not a point in time request, but rather a step in an iterative process that will continue as the Board goes through its strategic planning process.

Board Member Fallin stated that she understands that Board members cannot get into detailed line item discussions today. She stated that the fundamental question is the purpose of the data and the purpose of the data categories the Board is reviewing today is to give the Board a clear picture of how students are doing in school. Board Member Fallin stated that the Board needs to integrate data into the strategic plan so that it is useful for schools, families, and the Department, not just the Board. She stated that data should drive decisions, not headlines. Board Member Fallin stated that data could be overwhelming, so she does not want the list to be overwhelming. She stated that the Department should do some analysis of the data the Board chooses. Board Member Fallin questioned whether the Board should divide the list into categories because some of the items in one category links to other categories.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Board could request many important data under the attendance data category. She stated that this includes data on chronic absenteeism, geographic exceptions, students who leave the public education system to be home schooled, and the reasons why students leave the public education system. Board Chairperson Payne said that it is helpful to use broad categories to organize the data because it helps to understand how the data aligns and how it might be useful to the schools.

Board Member Fallin stated that she wants to understand whether in-person learning is more effective than online learning, and she provided this as an example of making sure data is meaningful and useful. Board Chairperson Payne stated that it is difficult to bifurcate data, so it is hard to definitively state whether online learning overall is effective. Board Member Fallin expressed her hope that schools push past program success and look at how things programs affect data.

Board Member Fallin stated that communication is missing from the list of data categories. Board Chairperson Payne stated that she is not sure how the Board could measure communication.

Board Member Fallin stated that there should be data relating to pre-kindergarten and early learning. She stated that the Department is working on a kindergarten entry assessment and that the data collected from this would be a prime example of what the Board would want to see. Board Chairperson Payne stated that there are some statewide initiatives, and it is important to track the effect of large, expensive programs on students and learning. Board Member Fallin stated that the outcomes should be measured on the statewide level, but that the Board should be able to look at how programs might be affecting statewide outcomes and assess program performance. Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Board would need to work with the Department on the programmatic approach.

Board Member Arakaki stated that the Kauai complex area is working with the Department’s Office of Talent Management on a staffing initiative to understand the barriers principals encounter and using this to redesign the system. He stated that once the complex area gets the data and analyzes it to see whether anything is affecting shortages, it tries to understand why this is happening and at what level (complex area or school). Board Member Arakaki stated that once they have the data, they could see if the same thing is happening in other complex areas or statewide. He stated that the Kauai complex area is also working on a math initiative to improve scores. Board Member Arakaki stated that the complex area is looking at the data and examining systems to look for ways to improved.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that some of the public written testimony submitted stated that the data requested did not focus on students who receive special education services, but the data request did not focus on many specific categories. She stated that Hawaii is still very low nationally when it comes to inclusion in classrooms, another example of data that could be collected under the student achievement category. She asked if Board members are interested in other broad categories.

Board Member Moriarty stated that she is interested in data relating to family and community engagement, including, specifically, military engagement (students, families, teachers, and staff with military connections). She stated that she is also interested in the college, career, and civic engagement that Jim Shon referenced in his testimony. Board Member Moriarty also expressed an interest in longitudinal data showing the effect of teacher differentials and other actions, like addressing compression, on teacher retention. Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Department provided the Board with a report on the impact of teacher differentials and that the Department should continue to provide this report for longitudinal data.

Board Member Fallin stated that the Board gets information at the 20,000-foot level but noted that she does not understand what data the schools use to inform daily teaching. She asked whether the Department could provide examples of what schools use to provide her with a clearer picture. Board Chairperson Payne stated that some of that information is contained in the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation reports. She stated that this includes what schools used to make certain decisions. Board Chairperson Payne stated that complex area superintendents do most of this work at the complex area level.

Military Representative Colonel Michael Minaudo stated that he believes that the Board should consider requesting data on the effect of co-curricular activities, like sports, to see if there is a correlation between student achievement and participation in co-curricular activities. He stated that participating in after-school activities and sports shape students’ lives.

Board Member Asher stated that data on students not on track to graduate is important so that there is timely intervention. She stated that it is also important to understand how many students are leaving the public education system and the process the Department uses to fully inform parents when making this decision. Board Member Asher also stated that data on students that drop out of school or are repeating grades is important so that the number of students in these areas are not increasing. She stated that it is important to track why families are relocating students to different schools and to understand why some schools are chronically short-staffed so that the Department can take steps to recruit teachers with more attractive compensation packages.

Board Member Arakaki stated that family and community engagement should be a data category. He stated that the Department has been training with a statewide family and community engagement group to build powerful partnerships with families. Board Member Arakaki stated that the group is looking at data and building teams in schools. He stated that students come from families with many different backgrounds and they each need to understand how to work with the system. Board Member Arakaki asked how the Board should assess the current system and noted that there are surveys the Department conducts currently, like the School Quality Survey, which measures how students, families, and teachers feel about their schools. He stated that he is not sure how much of the data from these surveys are used in schools and complex areas to address any issues revealed by the surveys. Board Member Arakaki said that there are existing processes have been working and should continue.

Board Chairperson Payne said that schools could tell us what data they use to make decisions about teaching. She noted that staff shortage data is already included under the human resources category. She said that the new data areas mentioned were family and community engagement, civic readiness, co-curricular participation, military engagement, and longitudinal data on the effect of teacher differentials.

Hayashi asked whether social-emotional learning data should be included under health and wellness. Board Chairperson Payne stated that social-emotional learning data should be incorporated into every category.

Hayashi clarified that once the Board establishes broad data categories, the Department will work with the Board to get more granular and use a continuous feedback loop to accomplish this work. Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Department would work with the Board Chairperson and Robert Hull, former NASBE President and Chief Executive Officer, who will assist with facilitation.

Board Member Arakaki stated that the new school year is starting soon and asked whether schools will continue to use the Strive HI Performance System until the Board develops its strategic plan. Board Chairperson Payne stated that schools should move forward with what is currently in place. She stated that the Board should not rush through this process and that schools should not wait until the Board finishes its strategic plan. Board Chairperson Payne stated that schools are still struggling with the same problems, and in some instances, things are getting worse. She stated that some places in the state are doing well and that the Board needs to look at how to scale up these programs, but that the Board should not rush to do so.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Board would not need to amend the data categories to incorporate all of the suggestions, but that instead the Board Chairperson would take the changes as feedback and will incorporate them into the request.

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

ACTION: Motion to (1) approve the request for the categories of data described in Exhibit B of Board Chairperson Payne’s memorandum, dated June 16, 2022, in connection with the Board strategic plan process and (2) authorize the Board Chairperson to establish more specific data requests in alignment with these categories and submit a data request on behalf of the Board to the Department and any other relevant entities (Namau‘u/Asher). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

Board Chairperson Payne referred to her memorandum in the meeting materials. She noted that while the Board has approved the calendar in previous years, it is unnecessary given the discretion the Board’s Bylaws provide the Board Chairperson in scheduling and rescheduling general business meetings.

Board Chairperson Payne asked that Board Member keep the first and third Thursdays of every month clear for Board meetings. She explained how the Board has held community meetings in the past and provided examples of past community meetings on specific subjects like Hawaiian immersion and pesticides.

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

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item VI.A, presentation on general business meeting schedule for 2022-2023 school year. She asked about the incoming Board chairperson.

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
Jim Shon		V.B. Board Action on Board Strategic Plan Data Categories
Susan Pcola-Davis		IV.C. Superintendent’s Report: Update on Class of 2022 Graduations, career and technical education summer internships, summer learning opportunities, Seamless Summer Option Meal Program, COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidance for Summer, and Mental Health Acceptance Month; V.B. Board Action on Board Strategic Plan Data Categories
Cheri Nakamura	Hui for Excellence in Education	V.B. Board Action on Board Strategic Plan Data Categories
Susan Rocco	Special Education Advisory Council	V.B. Board Action on Board Strategic Plan Data Categories