Hawaii BOE selects Keith Hayashi as superintendent

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​The Hawaii State Board of Education on Thursday voted 8-1 to hire Keith Hayashi to lead Hawai'i's public schools as superintendent for a term to begin July 1, 2022.

Hayashi, who was tapped from his position as principal of Waipahu High School to serve as interim superintendent on Aug, 1, 2021, was one of three finalists for the permanent position. The others were Darrel Galera, former long-time principal of Moanalua High School, and Caprice Young, former president of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education.

"This means a great deal. I'm honored to have the opportunity to lead our public schools in Hawai'i. I know that all of us, working together, will make a difference in the lives of each and every one of our students," Hayashi told Board members following the vote.

Hayashi served as principal of Waipahu High since 2009 and previously served as interim deputy state superintendent from March-June 2017 and as interim state superintendent in July 2017.

As a principal Hayashi was most recognized for transforming Waipahu High into the state's leading college and career high school as the first wall-to-wall national model academy high school in the state. Under Hayashi's leadership, the school also implemented the state's first Early College program in the state, resulting to date in over 3,000 Waipahu High students earning college credits and nearly 50 students earning associate's degrees while still in high school.

Former HIDOE Superintendent Christina Kishimoto, who led the Department since 2017, decided not to seek a contract renewal after her term ended in July 2021, prompting the Board to initiate a search for a new schools superintendent.

The Board for the first time conducted its interviews and deliberations on the three finalists in public session during a May 19 special Board meeting that spanned 12 hours.

Finalists were tasked with giving a 15-minute presentation outlining how they would assist the Board with developing a strategic plan and designing an implementation planto improve student achievement and equity. Following the performance task, finalists fielded questions from Board members related to 11 core competencies in the Board-adopted job description for the superintendent position.

Board members cited Hayashi's student-centered approach to decision making, ability to foster trust and build relationships with internal and external groups, and track record of driving innovation to benefit students. He also received overwhelming support from HIDOE leaders across the tri-level system in testimony from principals, complex area superintendents and assistant superintendents.

The Board will finalize an employment contract for Hayashi pending a clean background check.