Principals Tackle Leader Hurdles

The state Department of Education has formed a new group to tackle barriers to effective leadership, and among the members are four administrators from West Oahu schools.

Area members are Mauka Lani Elementary principal Shelley Ferrara, Kaimiloa Elementary principal Debra Hatada, Waipahu High principal Keith Hayashi and Waipahu High vice principal David Tanuvasa. They are among nearly 40 nominated for the new panel of 14 principals as well as all 12 members of the HGEA Unit 6 board of directors.

The statewide Deputy Superintendent’s Principal Roundtable is meeting over the summer to establish priorities to “improve communication, garner feedback, develop collaborative solutions to critical challenges and identify individuals for future complex area, state and national leadership positions and opportunities.”

As a former principal himself, DOE deputy superintendent Ron Nozoe acknowledged the daily challenges school leaders face, noting the select new group is dedicated and committed to transforming public education.

“We hope to create solutions that will transition into meaningful change to positively impact the everyday work of the principals and vice principals,” stated HGEA executive director Randy Perreira. “We look forward to working with all stakeholders to support these efforts.”