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Finance and Infrastructure Committee 11am
Committee on Weights XIV update regarding weighted student formula for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years
Each school's initial funding is calculated by assigning a specific dollar amount for every enrolled student, commonly referred to as the “value of one.” Additional funding is provided in recognition of the educational needs of students with identified characteristics that affect their learning and academic performance, necessitating extra support and resources to support schools in providing equitable access to education. These differentiated weights encompass various factors, such as Gifted and Talented, English Language Learners, Economically Disadvantaged, and Transiency.
This model will continue without change and they propose continuing to provide $250,000 to each of the eight remote schools (Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary, Hāna High and Elementary, Kaunakakai Elementary, Lānaʻi High and Elementary, Molokaʻi High, Molokai Middle, Kilohana Elementary, Maunaloa Elementary); and to provide $250,000 to the six identified small schools / non-remote schools (Kaʻaʻawa Elementary, Waiāhole Elementary, Keolu Elementary, Haʻaheo Elementary, Hōnaunau Elementary, Hoʻokena Elementary).
Department of Education update on status of schools’ fire alarm systems
Deputy Superintendent Jesse Souki reported that all but two schools now have non manual fire alarm systems, some are under redesign or upgrading. The two remaining, down from 27 if the "fire watch" category are in process of upgrading. The BOE was extremely pleased with the rapid solving of this problem since his recent assumption of duties.
Department of Education update on district optimization: school consolidation timeline and plan
Asst Supt. Elizabeth Higashi reported that the consolidation considered due to the economics of reduced enrollments and possible federal funding reductions, and the consideration of redrawing lines to optimize service would be delayed. She cited the sensitivity of the consolidation issues, especially the concerns of family and community members. The team will add "qualitative measures" to their consideration enabling community members to be heard.
Maximum allowable co-curricular student activity fees
Student fees have not increased in 27 years, causing the DOE to ask for an increase of the "maximum" billable. Principals may still charge less for various items, and fees can be waived based on need. BOE members agreed to this change, given the freedom principals have to handle needs.
Human Resources Committee 12pm
Superintendent’s self-assessment of performance for 2024-2025 school year
The superintendent reviewed his performance as meeting or exceeding targets on the various categories and the committee received his input and it was commented that on a couple of categories should be classed as "exceeding" rather than "meeting".
Adjustments to salary structure and salary establishment process for Department of Education subordinate superintendents
Former board chair Warren Hiruko suggested a study of the subordinate superintents pay rates be made and the Gallagher Benefits Service undertook tihs work. As a part of a 2022 teacher pay equity study, Complex Area superintendents ssalarie had been adjusted, but Deputy and Assistant Superintendents have not been adjusted for equity. The existing salares were found by Gallagher to be 30% below the midpoint for same levels in other districts. Complex Superintendent salarie are more in line with market rates. Several options for addressing this have been proposed and will be considered. While equity for these leaders is desireable, the cost and the fact that increases would not be aligned with performance are considerations.
General Business Meeting
Report of the superintendent
The superintendent related official enrollment count for 2025-2026 school year, an update on Lahaina workforce housing project, and awards and recognitions for students, employees, and/or schools.
Compensation increase for Department of Education engineers and architects in Bargaining Unit 13, Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association
The superintendent recommended that salary adjustments be made to meet market rates and to help to fill vacancies. Authority to complete agreements to be under Board Chair Roy Tokumi. This passed.
Compensation adjustment for Department of Education employee excluded from Bargaining Unit 6 (administrative assistant to the superintendent)
The department requested a salary adjustment for the superintendent's administrative assistant in line with adjustments made to previous groups. This was passed
End-of-year evaluation of the superintendent for 2024-2025 school year
Superintendent's contract calls for an annual evaluation. Last year's evaluation was "highly effective". The HR committee has heard the Superintendent's self evaluation. The chair recommends this year's evaluation be conducted using the targets in the linked memo, starting at "meets" for each category and to discuss each criteria.
Investigative committee (a permitted interaction group pursuant to paragraph 92-2.5(b)(1), Hawaii Revised Statutes) investigation concerning targeted goals and process for superintendent evaluation for 2025-2026 fiscal year: findings and recommendations
This memo reviewed contract, prior year evaluation, and recommendation the process continue for this year. The conclusion was a motion "“Moved to approve the targeted goals and process for the superintendent evaluation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, as explained in Human Resources Committee Chairperson Wesley Lo’s memorandum dated September 18, 2025.” This was passed.
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