STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

MINUTES

Queen Liliuokalani Building
1390 Miller Street, Room 404
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Thursday, November 21, 2019


PRESENT:
Catherine Payne, Chairperson
Margaret Cox
Nolan Kawano
Kili Namauʻu
Dwight Takeno
Kenneth Uemura
Bruce Voss, Esq.
Colonel Tracey Wadle (military representative)
Daniella White (student representative)

EXCUSED:
Brian De Lima, Esq.
Kaimana Barcarse

ALSO PRESENT:
Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent
Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian
Sam Moku, Executive Director, Community Relations and Athletics, Hawaii Pacific University
Helen Sanpei, Principal, McKinley Community School for Adults
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Board Private Secretary
Irina Dana, Secretary

I. Call to Order

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


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

Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony. There was no public testimony at this time.

Written testimony was also received and provided to the Board members. The following is a listing of the people that submitted written testimony before the testimony deadline.

Name
Organization
Agenda Item
Position
Paula Adams, Gavin Thornton, Deborah Zysman,
David Miyashiro, Cheri Nakamura, Martha Guinan, Patricia Halagao, William “Pila” Wilson		Equity in Education Advocates, Hawaiʻi Afterschool Alliance, Hawaiʻi Appleseed, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network, HawaiiKidsCAN, HEʻE Coalition, Special Education Advisory CouncilIV.E. Superintendent’s Report: (1) update on school visits; (2) update on the development of a 10-year Board of Education and Department of Education Strategic Plan, The Power and Promise of Public Education: Focus on Phase III feedback; (3) Update on Council of Chief State School Officers winter conveningComment


III. Approval of Meeting Minutes of October 3, 2019

Note: Board Chairperson Payne took this agenda item after agenda item VI.B, entitled “Board Action on Human Resources Committee recommendation concerning amendment to State Librarian Employment Contract.”

ACTION: Motion to approve the General Business Meeting minutes of October 3, 2019 (Uemura/Takeno). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


IV. Reports of Board Committees, Board Members, and Superintendent
Human Resources Committee Chairperson Dwight Takeno reported that the committee received a semi-annual update on pending cases of Department of Education (“Department”) employees on Department directed leave or leave pending investigation. He reported that the Committee took action on the appointment of the Complex Area Superintendent (“CAS”) for the Honokaa-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena complex area and on amendments to the state librarian employment contract. Finance and Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Kenneth Uemura reported that the committee received an update on Department fiscal reports as of September 30, 2019. He noted that the committee discussed the frequency of fiscal report updates and determined that quarterly reports do not provide the committee with enough information. The committee directed the Department to present on fiscal reports semi-annually provided that the Department advise the committee of anything of significance during the interim. Committee Chairperson Uemura reported that the committee also received an update on Act 155 and discussed progress and challenges. He noted that the committee discussed eliminating the 22nd Avenue and Diamond Head properties from the Act 155 project and focusing on one property. He stated that the Department would potentially present a new property in January. Committee Chairperson Uemura reported that the committee received an update on the Department’s financial management system modernization and discussed administrative directives and roles. He stated that the committee took action on a new Board Policy, entitled “Equitable Allocation of Facilities Resources,” and deferred action on the Department’s repair and maintenance priority list and priority criteria for Capital Improvement Program projects the to the committee’s January 16, 2020 meeting.

Investigative Committee Chairperson Payne reported on the findings and recommendations of the committee tasked with developing the Board’s legislative policy positions, determining whether the Board needs to request any statutory changes based on the policy positions, developing the legislative proposals based on that determination, and drafting legislative reports for the 2020 Legislative Session.

Investigative Committee Chairperson Payne stated at its September 19, 2019 general business meeting, the Board adopted the committee’s recommended policy positions for the 2020 Legislative Session and elected not to request any statutory changes, thus completing the committee’s first three tasks. Regarding the committee’s final task of drafting any legislative reports that needed to be submitted to the 2020 Legislature, the committee finds that the Board’s only report due to the Legislature is its annual report on charter schools, pursuant to Section 302D-21, Hawaii Revised Statutes. As required by law, the committee drew from the annual reports submitted by Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission, currently the only authorizer in Hawaii, as well as other additional relevant data to draft a report for covering the 2018-2019 school year. She stated that the committee recommends that the Board approve the legislative report attached to her memorandum and its issuance to the Governor, Legislature, and public.

Investigative Committee Chairperson Payne stated that the Board cannot deliberate or take action at this meeting on these findings and recommendations but will do so at a future meeting, pursuant to Sunshine Law.


Board Chairperson Payne reported that she attended the National Association of State School Boards (“NASBE”) with Board Members Margaret Cox and Kili Namauʻu. She highlighted that NASBE’s annual conference was very valuable and afforded her the opportunity to meet with leaders nationwide.

Board Chairperson Payne reported that the Board held a community meeting to discuss how Hawaii’s business community can partner with K-12 and higher education systems to advance and strengthen career pathways and readiness. She highlighted that she hosted this community meeting with Board Members Kaimana Barcarse, Cox, Namauʻu, and Takeno in collaboration with the Hawaii Business Roundtable. She noted that there were approximately 50 attendees, which included Department leadership and staff, representatives from Hawaii P-20, various higher education institutions, members of the Career and Technical Education Coordinating Advisory Committee, the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce, and numerous Hawaii Business Roundtable members, including executives and human resources professionals from the real estate, engineering, construction, financial services, airline, higher education, and health care sectors.

Board Chairperson Payne reported that the Board held a second community meeting on how strategic plan indicators can be a powerful tool to advance student progress. She noted that she hosted the meeting with Board Members Barcarse, Cox, Kawano, Namauʻu, and Bruce Voss in collaboration with community members. There were approximately 40 attendees, which included Department leadership and staff, P-20, and community members. She highlighted that attendees discussed and shared ideas regarding how to distinguish between leading and outcome indicators, how to find connections between indicators, and how to understand how these connections can help system progress.

Board Member Namauʻu reported that the Board held a third community meeting on sharing Hawaiian immersion concerns and solutions. She highlighted that she hosted the community meeting with Board Chairperson Payne and Board Members Barcarse, Cox, Kawano, and Takeno. She noted that between 80 and 100 individuals were in attendance, including Department leaders. Board Member Namauʻu highlighted that the Board received positive feedback and discussed holding community meetings with a similar focus on neighbor islands.

Board Member Cox noted that NASBE’s annual conference emphasized early childhood education and equity. She stated that a focus on early childhood education could increase graduation rates and emphasized the importance of the Board and Department directing resources toward early childhood education and ensuring that early childhood education is equitable for all students across the state.


Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent, reported that she has visited 40 schools since the beginning of the school year. Recently she visited Kuhio Elementary School and had conversations with the principal, staff members, teachers, and students. She stated that she visited many other schools as well and observed best practices around student groupings, math instruction, classroom engagement, and student voice. Kishimoto stated that she reviewed school academic and financial plans and learned how principals are implementing plans within their schools. She highlighted that students are engaged and able to authentically articulate what they are doing and why. Kishimoto highlighted that she visited a classroom where students conducted presentations and had communication opportunities due to assisted technology. She stated that there is cohesion between school design profiles, planning processes, and implementation. She noted that there is thoughtful integration between teachers, principals, and staff regarding how to engage student voice.

Kishimoto reviewed the Department’s 2020-2030 Strategic Plan planning process and five draft promises. She stated that the Department is in the third phase of feedback and has received feedback regarding additional metrics. She stated that the Department is reviewing the addition of two or three additional metrics to Strive HI. She noted that the Department plans to present the first draft to the Board on February 6, 2020 after vetting the draft with CASs and principals in December and early January.

Kishimoto stated that she attended the Council of Chief State School Officers (“CCSSO”) winter convening. She highlighted that Hawaii is one of nine states representing all 50 states, Guam, the Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico. She detailed that CCSSO discussed equity commitments, conditions for learning, wraparound support, and trauma-informed resources. She noted that CCSSO has 10 equity commitment statements and uses these to discuss work. Kishimoto highlighted that the Department used similar language in its 2020-2030 Strategic Plan. She stated that CCSSO discussed convening in January 2020.

Kishimoto highlighted that Hawaii was one of six states to receive a literacy grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Hawaii has seen an increase in literary performance and would be sharing its strategies and work at a literary conference in January.


V. *Public Testimony on Board Agenda Items

Board Chairperson Payne called for public testimony. There was no public testimony at this time.


VI. Action Items

Committee Chairperson Takeno stated that the committee recommends the Board approve the appointment of Janette Snelling as the CAS for the Honokaa-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena complex area.

ACTION: Motion to approve the appointment of Janette Snelling as Complex Area Superintendent for the Honokaa-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena Complex Area (Human Resources Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

Note: Board Chairperson Payne took this agenda item after agenda item II, entitled “Public Testimony on Board of Education (“Board”) Agenda Items.”

Committee Chairperson Takeno stated that the committee recommends that the Board approve the amendment to the State Librarian’s employment contract, which increases the State Librarian’s salary from $120,000 to $155,000. He noted that the amendment allows the Board to review the State Librarian’s salary on an annual basis and provides the Board with the authority and mechanism to adjust the State Librarian’s salary based on cost of living, equity, and compression, and maintain discretion on providing performance-based increases. He stated that the amendment would be retroactive to July 1, 2019, which is the date that the Legislature passed Act 224, which increased the State Librarian’s salary cap from $120,000 to $175,000 a year.

ACTION: Motion to: (1) approve the amendment of the April 2, 2018 Employment Contract between Stacey Aldrich and the Board of Education, State of Hawaii, attached as Exhibit B to Board Chairperson Catherine Payne’s memorandum dated November 21, 2019; and (2) authorize Board Chairperson Payne to execute the amendment on behalf of the Board (Human Resources Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

Sam Moku, Executive Director, Community Relations and Athletics, Hawaii Pacific University, stated that the Department recommends the appointment of the 17 individuals listed on the Board’s agenda to the Adult and Community Education Advisory Council.

Board Member Namauʻu moved to defer the appointment of the 17 individuals listed on the Board’s agenda to the Adult and Community Education Advisory Council. Board Member Takeno seconded.

Board Member Namauʻu stated that she had an opportunity to review the resumes of the 17 individuals and believes that the list of individuals is a robust list. She expressed concern regarding the process. She noted that the Board is responsible for the selection of the individuals to the council and there does not appear to be a public process or opportunities for members of the public to present themselves or apply to serve on the council. She noted that she is unaware of what kind of vetting occurred and suggested that the Board pursue a process similar to how it appoints commissioners to the State Public Charter School Commission.

Kishimoto stated that she received the list of recommended individuals to bring before the Board in August or September. She stated that she asked current advisory council members to engage in a different process because positions were unfilled and certain areas were not represented. She noted that the new process took an additional two to three months to ensure adherence to statutes, bylaws, and representation. Kishimoto stated that the Department does not oversee the advisory council but provided technical assistance.

Board Member Cox asked about the process the advisory council engaged in to fill positions. Moku stated that he was asked by other advisory council members to apply and sent in his resume. The advisory council voted him on at one of the council meetings and then brought a list of names to the Board for its approval. Helen Sanpei, Principal, McKinley Community School for Adults, emphasized that the advisory council is open to any member of the public who is interested in serving. She stated that historically the advisory council has had difficulty recruiting council members and finding volunteers, especially from neighbor islands. She stated that advisory council members spread the word and various organizations, such as job centers, help to advertise openings.

Board Member Cox asked if the advisory council is willing to recruit any individual because it has difficulty recruiting members. Moku confirmed that this is correct. Kishimoto stated that this was the old process. However, she would not accept the recommendations without additional vetting and recruitment efforts. She stated that advisory council members sought out individuals, helped them to understand the purpose of the advisory council, analyzed laws, and notated future changes they might want to make to strengthen the role of the advisory and communication efforts.

Board Member Uemura reviewed regulations and asked for assurance that the advisory council abided by regulations regarding balanced membership. Moku stated that the advisory council has members representing every island. Board Member Uemura asked if counties with larger populations have additional representation. Moku confirmed that this is correct and noted that Oahu has the most representation.

Board Member Voss asked if the advisory council published advertisements on social media or websites. He expressed concern that it did not cast a broad net to recruit qualified applicants and asked about the overall process. Moku stated that the advisory council worked with Sanpei and attempted to recruit individuals who were recommended. He noted that it did not advertise on social media. Sanpei added that the advisory council advertised on its website to recruit members.

Board Chairperson Payne asked about the advisory council’s role. She stated that the advisory council’s bylaws direct the advisory council to submit reports to the Board and noted that she was unaware of any reports or communication. Moku stated that the advisory council has been unable to hold meetings due to quorum challenges. He stated that it has been working with the Superintendent on revising initiatives, bylaws, and recruitment. He stated that he is unaware of past reports to the Board because the advisory council might have submitted reports prior to his appointment. Sanpei added that the advisory council chair sent reports to the Board years ago but more recently has been unable to hold meetings due to quorum and membership challenges. She stated that the advisory council held its last meeting in the last school year. The advisory council is waiting for membership approval to continue its meetings.

Board Member Namauʻu asked about the advisory council’s financial capacity and budget. Sanpei explained that the advisory council does not have a budget and uses Title II federal funds to pay for airfare for neighbor island members.

Board Chairperson Payne noted that the Board appointed three individuals to the advisory council in 2017. She asked if the advisory council generated a report from its last meeting. Sanpei explained that the advisory council did not share a report with the Board because it was in transition during that time period.

Board Chairperson Payne emphasized the importance of adult education and noted that the Board has policies related to adult education. She emphasized the importance of the Board being more engaged and connected to the work of the advisory council. Sanpei stated that the advisory council’s former chair attempted to present to the Board but was unable to.

Board Member Voss expressed concern that deferment would present more quorum challenges. He asked about the advisory council’s next steps to further its mission. Moku explained that the advisory council is in the process of working with the Department to revise its bylaws and create a process to vet and recruit future members. He stated that the advisory council would be able to move forward and vote on these measures if the Board were to approve appointment of the 17 individuals.

Kishimoto stated that the advisory council focuses on adult education and reviews data regarding adult education. She suggested that the advisory council report to the Board in a future meeting regarding adult education matters. She stated that the Department provided the advisory council with technical assistance and suggested that the advisory council review bylaws and statutes and ensure that members are committed and understand the advisory council’s role.

Board Member Voss stated that he agreed with other Board members’ concerns but emphasized the importance of the advisory council moving forward on its next steps and providing the Board with reports.

Board Chairperson Payne asked about potential changes to the bylaws. Moku stated that he could provide the Board with the advisory council’s revisions.

Board Chairperson Payne asked about Moku’s role on the advisory council and asked how the advisory council connects with adult education and Board policy work. Moku explained that advisory council members support and advise adult education across the state. He emphasized the importance of the advisory council working collaboratively with the Board and Department and explained challenges that occurred during transition periods. He noted that the advisory council is attempting to partner with other agencies and move forward on creating better structures.

Board Member Uemura asked about backgrounds. Moku stated that the individuals on the appointment list have education and business backgrounds. He stated that adult education includes a workforce component so it is important to have advisory council members with a business background.

Board Member Uemura asked if the advisory council advertised open positions in newspapers. Sanpei explained that the advisory council does not have the funding for newpaper advertisements. Board Member Uemura asked if the advisory council recruited individuals who could fulfill the requirements to be on the advisory council. Moku confirmed that this is correct.

Board Chairperson Payne asked about term expiration dates and transition periods. Moku stated that advisory council members have two-year terms but are able to serve for six years. Board Chairperson Payne commented that the advisory council does not have a staggered system of terms. Sanpei explained that the advisory council is revising its bylaws and determining how to ensure continuity by staggering terms.

Board Member Kawano asked about terms. Kishimoto explained that advisory council members serve for two years. Board Member Kawano asked if the Board could appoint individuals for one year. Kishimoto stated that the advisory council is revising bylaws and determining scope of work. The advisory council is attempting to build an effective team and then determine how to stagger terms. Moku stated that the advisory council’s next steps include reports to the Board.

Board Member Namau’u stated that the Board supports and considers adult education to be important. The Board would like to review reports, action items, budgets, strengths, and weaknesses in order to support and assist the advisory council. She stated that she would like to review future reports.

Board Member Namau’u withdrew her motion to defer the appointment of the 17 individuals listed on the Board’s agenda to the Adult and Community Education Advisory Council. Board Member Cox seconded.

ACTION: Motion to appoint Thomas Au, Michael Bormann, Cheryl Ann Farrell, Stacy Ferreira, Blayne Hanagami, Cherylyn Inouye, Stacy Jones, Kevin Kimizuka, Louann Kimura, Sam Moku, Jocelyn Mokulehua, Ray Sasaki, Gail Takeuchi, Nisa Ann Nakai Tokunaga, Preshess Willets-Vaquilar, Jarret Yip, and Kristoffer Zorilla to serve as members of the Adult and Community Education Advisory Council (Voss/Cox). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

ACTION: Motion to adopt Board Policy 301-_, entitled “Equitable Allocation of Facilities Resources,” as provided in Exhibit A of Finance and Infrastructure Committee Vice Chairperson Voss’s memorandum dated November 21, 2019 (Finance and Infrastructure Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

Committee Chairperson Uemura stated that the committee deferred action on the Department’s priority criteria for executing Capital Improvement Program projects to its January 16, 2019 meeting.

Committee Chairperson Uemura stated that the committee deferred action on the Department’s priority criteria for executing Capital Improvement Program projects to its January 16, 2019 meeting.

Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Board would need to take action on a designation of Board members to an investigative committee concerning the nomination of a Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission member due to a resignation. She stated that the investigative committee will present its nominations at the Board’s December 5, 2019 meeting, and the Board will take action on the nominations at its subsequent meeting January 16, 2020.

Board Chairperson Payne recommended that the Board assign two to four Board members to the investigative committee tasked with nominating recommended individuals to serve as members on the Commission for the Board to consider for appointment and designate the Board member that will serve as the chairperson of the investigative committee.

Board Member Uemura asked about past investigative committees. Board Chairperson Payne stated that she, Board Vice Chairperson Brian De Lima, and former Board Member Patricia Bergin served on the last investigative committee. She noted that this investigative committee is for an interim appointment.

Board Member Uemura recommended that Board Chairperson Payne, Board Vice Chairperson De Lima, and Board Member Namauʻu serve on the investigative committee.

Board Member Voss asked if investigative committee members would be able to communicate via phone and internet. Board Chairperson Payne confirmed that the investigative committee would be able to communicate via conference calls to conduct its work. Board Member Voss volunteered to serve on the investigative committee.

ACTION: Motion to 1) establish an investigative committee (a permitted interaction group pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 92-2.5(b)(1)) tasked with nominating recommended individuals to serve as members on the State Public Charter School Commission for the Board to consider for appointment and 2) designate Board Chairperson Catherine Payne, Board Vice Chairperson Brian De Lima, and Board Member Bruce Voss to serve on the investigative committee, with Board Chairperson Payne serving as chairperson (Uemura/Cox). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

Board Chairperson Payne reviewed adjustments to Superintendent’s priorities. She stated that the Superintendent’s priorities are part of the Superintendent’s evaluation. At the Board’s June 20, 2019 Special Meeting, the Board approved the Superintendent’s Priorities for the 2019-2020 School Year, provided that Superintendent Kishimoto would consider and incorporate the Board Members’ comments and present revised indicators for Board approval at a later meeting. Board Chairperson Payne stated that the Board requested several revisions be made to the Superintendent’s Priorities for the 2019-2020 School Year.

Kishimoto stated that she was hesitant to add indicators in November of the 2019-2020 school year. However, she added one significant indicator to one of her priorities because the Department received a $50 million literacy grant and discussed literacy during its data retreat. She stated that her indicator is related to the grant and noted that the Department is moving through the process and will have implementation plans in the spring. The process requires teacher engagement and fits in within her priority to advance teacher leadership. She noted that the indicator connects academic goals with teacher leadership development structures.

Board Member Kawano commented that meeting these indicators is not considered “exceptional” in terms of the Superintendent’s evaluation. He stated that there need to be more robust goals for the Board to evaluate whether the Superintendent performed at an “exceptional” level. Board Member Kawano noted that he does not consider it exceptional, for example, for the Superintendent to relay how much the Department expects to accomplish in terms of clearing the repair and maintenance backlog. It would be exceptional if the Department were to create an actual plan for clearing the backlog that was thoughtful. He emphasized the importance of the Department emphasizing elementary school literacy and increasing the percentage of third graders who meet standards.

Kishimoto detailed the Department’s literacy grant, next steps for hiring, and expectations regarding third grade reading rates.

ACTION: Motion to approve the adjustments to Superintendent’s Priorities for the 2019-2020 School Year as described in Exhibit B of the memorandum dated November 21, 2019 (Voss/Namauʻu). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


VII. Adjournment

Board Chairperson Payne adjourned the meeting at 2:50 p.m.