Superintendent’s Report to the Board of Education

In the November 2025 report to the Board of Education (BOE), Superintendent Keith Hayashi began with an update on the impacts of the recent federal government shutdown, noting a dramatic three-fold increase in Free and Reduced Lunch applications across the Department during that period. Although the federal government has reopened, Superintendent Hayashi emphasized the Department’s commitment to maintaining a stable environment for students and their families, listing key support resources available.

The Direct2UH initiative launched last month in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi (UH). The program provides free, direct admission to nine UH campuses based on students’ GPAs, simplifying the application process and allowing them to secure a place at a UH campus. Since the launch, over 2,600 Direct2UH applications have been submitted.

Superintendent Hayashi ended his report by proudly recognizing students and staff on their recent local and national awards and recognitions:

• Mānana Elementary, Mililani Mauka Elementary and Wilson Elementary were named 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools for their outstanding academic performance and progress in closing the achievement gap among student subgroups.
• Hawaiʻi schools and individuals were nationally recognized at the 2025 National Career Academy Coalition conference.
  • Waikele Elementary earned the NCAC Model Academy with Distinction (First elementary school in the nation).
  • Kohala High was recognized as the first NCAC Model Academy for a small school.
  • Waipahu High’s ʻOhana of Excellence received the North Star Award.
  • Dean Snelling, Academy Lead, Kohala High was named the John Thompson Exemplary Educator Award.
  • Board members recognized Superintendent Hayashi for earning the Charles Bowser Leadership Award.
• Leka Anathema, a Maui High school counselor, was named a finalist in the national 2026 School Counselor of the Year award.
• Waipahu Intermediate, Waipahu High, Kohala High and Hilo High represented Hawaiʻi in the Future Farmers of America national convention. Students were finalists and awardees in a variety of categories.