Herman Aizawa:
To provide evaluation info on self

But the evaluation still will be based largely on information provided by Superintendent Herman Aizawa himself.

The board last night approved changes to the yearly report card on which the decision to keep or remove the superintendent is based.

The most sweeping change is a new provision that revamps the numerical grading system to allow for negative results in meeting expectations in dozens of categories, ranging from students' test scores to how well the Department of Education follows legislative mandates.

"It gives a fairer picture of what's happening," said board Chairman Mitsugi Nakashima.

Aizawa received a favorable rating from the board in his first evaluation in November. His own report found that he met or exceeded expectations in 31 of 57 categories.

Board member Robert Fox later said the superintendent was essentially grading himself and called for the panel to take more control.

"I would at least like to be invited to ask questions . . . to add to my decision-making," Fox said last night before voting in favor of the new system.

Nakashima said board members are free to ask questions and seek independent information on the superintendent's job performance.

Aizawa's staff is assembling data from the 1995-96 school year that will be used in his second evaluation, Nakashima said.

Aizawa said he is pleased with the new evaluation system and hopes board members will take a more active role in the process.