STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3173

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 408, 429, 430, 431, 432

 

 

 

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2010

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Education and Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 408, 429, 430, 431, and 432, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Hawai'i Teacher Standards Board

 

G.M. No. 408

ALVIN NAAWAO PARKER,

for a term to expire 6-30-2013;

 

G.M. No. 429

GAIL H. AWAKUNI,

for a term to expire 6-30-2013;

 

G.M. No. 430

LEONARDO FLORES DELGADO,

for a term to expire 6-30-2012;

 

G.M. No. 431

JONATHAN D. KISSIDA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2013; and

 

G.M. No. 432

RUTH L. SILBERSTEIN,

for a term to expire 6-30-2013,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds that Alvin Naawao Parker, Gail H. Awakuni, Leonardo Flores Delgado, Jonathan D. Kissida, and Ruth L. Silberstein have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB).

 

ALVIN NAAWAO PARKER

 

     Testimony in support of Mr. Parker was submitted by one private organization.

 

     Mr. Parker earned a Master of Education degree from Gonzaga University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Hawaii.  He is currently the Principal of Ka Waihona o ka Naauao Public Charter School and has previous experience teaching special education students and history at Waianae High School.  Mr. Parker's prior work positions include Vessel Operations Superintendent for Matson Shipping Company and President and Owner of Anoai Inc., a seafood processing company.

 

     Mr. Parker has been a member of HTSB for the past three years.  Through his experiences on HTSB, Mr. Parker has gained a solid understanding of the issues HTSB has faced in the past and of the needs and goals of HTSB moving forward, such as the need for an improved, transparent licensure process for teachers and better communication between teachers and HTSB.

 

     In addition to Mr. Parker's current position as a charter school administrator, he is also the Chair of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.  He is an advocate for the charter schools, adding a unique and necessary perspective to the Board.

 

     Your Committee questioned the nominee regarding HTSB's reaction to the 2009 audit of HTSB and measures taken to improve the teacher licensure procedure and develop alternative routes to certification.  Mr. Parker was able to update your Committee on the impending improvements to the teacher licensure process and conveyed his understanding of the role and duties of HTSB.  Your Committee believes that Mr. Parker is a valuable contributor to HTSB's work and looks forward to the implementation of improvements to teacher licensure in Hawaii.

 

GAIL H. AWAKUNI

 

     Testimony in support of Dr. Awakuni was submitted by one individual.  Comments were submitted by one private organization.

 

     Dr. Awakuni earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the Union Institute and a Master of Education degree, Bachelor of Arts degree, and Professional Diploma from the University of Hawaii.  She is a certified General Educational Development reader and Social Studies, English, and Speech teacher.

 

     Dr. Awakuni has been the Principal of James Campbell High School for nearly ten years, where she has helped turn around the school to become a leader in academic success, increased scholarships for students, increased college access, and successful preparation of minority students for post-secondary school experiences.  She will also serve as the Leeward Complex Area Superintendent on an interim basis until July 2010.  Prior to her position at James Campbell High School, Dr. Awakuni served as Principal of Enchanted Lake Elementary School and Interim Principal, Vice Principal, and Summer School Director of Kailua High School.

 

     Dr. Awakuni has been recognized as an outstanding school leader.  She was the 2004 Hawaii Association of Secondary School Administrators' Principal of the Year and the 2005 National Association of Secondary School Principals' National High School Principal of the Year.  In addition to her role as a school leader, she is a member of the University of Hawaii Regent Scholarship Selection Committee; member of the 100 Battalion Unit, U.S. Army Scholarship Committee; and Boys and Girls Club Board member.  She is also involved with the Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation, Weed and Seed Program, and Leeward Partnerships.

 

     As an outstanding educator and administrator with over thirty years of experience in education, Dr. Awakuni has a wealth of knowledge, experience, and skills to ensure that teachers are adequately prepared and maintain performance standards required by law.  She is also competent in the skills and experience needed to help the HTSB build a stronger relationship between itself and the Board of Education and Department of Education to clarify roles and improved procedures for teacher licensure.  Your Committee finds that Dr. Awakuni's ability to effect significant reform will enable her to provide insightful contributions to HTSB in raising the quality of Hawaii's teachers.

 

LEONARDO FLORES DELGADO

 

     Testimony in support of Mr. Delgado was submitted by one private organization and thirteen individuals.  Comments were submitted by one private organization.

 

     Mr. Delgado studied Religious Studies at Lumen Vitae in Belgium and at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology in the Philippines.  He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Saint Louis University in the Philippines.

 

     Mr. Delgado is presently a teacher at Maryknoll School in the High School Division.  He has many years of experience in education, working in the past as a Theology Teacher at Sacred Hearts Academy, English Lecturer at Leeward Community College, Pastoral Associate at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Philosophy/Theology/Language Instructor at Divine Word College of Laoag in the Philippines, and English/Music Teacher at St. Joseph High School in the Philippines.

 

     In addition to teaching experience, Mr. Delgado has dedicated much of his time and efforts to community service.  He has a talent for music and has served as the Community Choir Director at the Filipino Community Center and Music Minister at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.  He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Filipino Community Center and has been involved with feeding and visiting the homeless, a prison ministry at a federal detention center, Aloha Medical Mission, and the Homebound Ministry at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.  Mr. Delgado has also served in a leadership capacity with several organizations.

 

     Testifiers describe Mr. Delgado as a humanitarian and talented teacher with excellent character, outstanding work ethic, and a strong commitment to serve others.  He has been recognized locally by KHNL and The Honolulu Advertiser for his humanitarian acts.

 

     Mr. Delgado places the interests of Hawaii's students as the priority in determining the role and responsibilities of HTSB in establishing standards for Hawaii's teachers.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Delgado's approach to teacher standards, excellent service ethic, and dedication to the well-being of Hawaii's students make him a strong advocate for Hawaii's students when decisions are made on the HTSB.

 

JONATHAN D. KISSIDA

 

     Testimony in support of Mr. Kissida was submitted by one individual.  Comments were submitted by one private organization.

 

     Mr. Kissida received a Master of Education degree in Elementary Education from Chaminade University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of the Pacific.  He is currently a teacher at the Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science with the Online Distance Program.  Mr. Kissida is also a Robotics Coach at the Hawaii Academy of Arts & Sciences.  He has many years of experience as a teacher, including Technology Coordinator/Resource Teacher at Haaheo Elementary School, Physical Education Teacher and Head Teacher at Mid-Pacific Institute Elementary School, and Assistant Teacher at Epiphany School.

 

     Mr. Kissida is currently pursuing licensure to teach students in kindergarten through grade twelve through the Online Distance Program at Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science; therefore, he has first-hand experience in the licensure process administered by HTSB.  He identifies the following as goals that should be set by HTSB:  the establishment of a user-friendly initial and renewal licensing process and quicker and more consistent responses from HTSB to teachers seeking licensure.  As an online distance program teacher, your Committee finds that Mr. Kissida would bring an open-minded, innovative perspective to HTSB to enable the Board to achieve these goals.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Kissida's willingness to find creative ways to engage Hawaii's students and take advantage of available technology would infuse the HTSB with fresh ideas and a charter school perspective, which are particularly valuable in light of the national push for innovation and reform in education.

 

RUTH L. SILBERSTEIN

 

     Testimony in support of Ms. Silberstein was submitted by four individuals.

 

     Ms. Silberstein earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Hawaii in Educational Administration and Curriculum and Instruction/Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Chaminade University.  She is the Principal of Palolo Elementary School and has previously served as the Principal of Puohala Elementary School and Pukalani Elementary School, and Vice Principal of Waihee Elementary School.  She has twenty-two years of teaching experience in Catholic schools and twenty-three years of experience in public schools.

 

     Ms. Silberstein has participated in several professional organizations, including Chairperson of the Kekaulike Principals Complex, member of the Maui District Steering Committee, and Maui District Representative for the National Association of Elementary School Principals.  She has also performed volunteer work with the Na Keiki Fun Run, Easter Seals, cystic fibrosis, and church bazaars.

 

     Ms. Silberstein has a solid understanding of highly effective teaching and has implemented changes at Palolo Elementary School to raise the level of teaching and learning.  In response to the 2009 audit of HTSB, Ms. Silberstein provided your Committee with thoughtful comments on the points raised by the audit, including the need for clarification of laws that determine the role of the HTSB.  Your Committee is confident that Ms. Silberstein will quickly gain experience on the HTSB and contribute valuable insights from her years of experience in teaching and leading schools to improve the quality of teaching in Hawaii.

 

     Testimony received by your Committee raised the concern that some of the nominations to the HTSB may be flawed because the nominations did not specify which groups the nominees represent, creating a potential conflict with the statutory requirements of HTSB's composition under section 302A‑801, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  However, your Committee finds that these nominations help HTSB achieve a composition that is in line with section 302A‑801(a) and (b), Hawaii Revised Statutes, as follows:

 

     (1)  Mr. Parker represents secondary school principals and was nominated by the Charter School Administrative Office;

 

     (2)  Dr. Awakuni represents secondary school principals and was nominated by a current member of the HTSB;

 

     (3)  Mr. Delgado represents independent schools and was nominated by the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools;

 

     (4)  Mr. Kissida represents elementary school and was nominated by a current member of the HTSB; and

 

     (5)  Ms. Silberstein represents elementary school principals and was nominated by a current member of the HTSB.

 

     Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Education and Housing that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education and Housing,

 

 

 

____________________________

NORMAN SAKAMOTO, Chair