Five Schools Receive Public School Charter Certificates


Governor Ben Cayetano with Superintendent Paul LaMehieu (left),
Board of Education Chairperson Mitsugi Nakashima (right), and
faculty and students of charter schools.

On May 5, 2000, Governor Ben Cayetano ushered in a new era in public education when he awarded five Hawaii public charter schools their charter certificates. "These schools will now have the freedom and flexibility to use more innovative approaches in educating our young people," said the Governor. "Hawaii will benefit greatly from this opportunity to explore new teaching methods and strategies."

"I commend the community of parents, teachers, and students at our first five charter schools for taking the lead in Hawaii."

Governor Cayetano, Board of Education Chairperson Mitsugi Nakashima, and Superintendent Paul LeMahieu issued the certificates, according to Act 62 (1999), which established "New Century Charter Schools" in Hawaii.

"These first public charter schools are the pioneers for all Hawaii schools," said BOE Chairperson Nakashima. "The paths they explore will help everyone evaluate the most effective educational settings and instructional methods," said BOE Chairperson Nakashima.

Superintendent LeMahieu said, "These public charter schools are free to innovate and stretch their wings in preparing their students to achieve the Hawaiii Content and Performance Standards. We wish them the best, and encourage them to fly to new heights."

Hawaii's first New Century Charter Schools are:

• Waialae Elementary Public Charter School, Honolulu District. The state's first SCBM school and first "Student-Centered School" was automatically designated a New Century Charter School by Act 62. It is the conversion of an entire existing public school with a K-6 enrollment of 472.
• Lanikai Elementary Public Charter School, Windward District. As the state's second "Student-Centered School," Lanikai was automatically designated a New Century Charter School by Act 62. It is the conversion of an entire existing public school with a K-6 enrollment of 312.
• Connections New Century Public Charter School, Hawaii District. Connections operates as a school-within-a-school at Mountain View Elementary. It will open in August 2000 for an anticipated 164 students in grades K-6 (and plans to expand to K-8). The Board of Education approved its charter on April 20.
• West Hawai'i Explorations Academy - Public Charter School, Hawaii District. WHEA is in its sixth year as a program of Konawaena High. As a public charter school, it will serve an anticipated 105 students in grades 10-12 on a campus within the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai'i near Kona Airport. The Board of Education approved its charter on May 4.
• Kanu o ka 'Aina: A New Century Public Charter School, Hawai'i District. The school will open as a school-within-a-school at Honoka'a High & Intermediate, but is looking for facilities in the Waimea area. It will offer an educational approach attuned to Hawaiian values and traditions while exhibiting excellence in the pursuit of academic rigor. Kanu o ka 'Aina anticipates serving 150 students in grades K- 12. The Board of Education approved its charter on May 4.

State law permits up to 25 charter schools in Hawaii. While the law relates only to New Century Charter Schools, most school proposals are including the word public in their name to make it clear that they are public schools.