BOE delays hiring chief
for charter school office
The state Board of Education put off choosing an executive director for the new Charter School Administrative Office yesterday, to the dismay of a screening committee that had endorsed one candidate.
Board Chairman Herbert Watanabe said the committee should have forwarded more than one name to the board, which is supposed to hire the director.
"So far the screening process has not followed the intent nor the letter of the law," Watanabe said. "While extending the time period creates delay in opening the Charter School Administrative Office, the hiring of an executive director must be done properly and legally, with fair consideration for all qualified applicants."
Donna Estomago, who heads the charter schools' screening committee, expressed frustration with the postponement. She said the board interviewed seven candidates and didn't expect to have only one nominee.
The board has asked the charter school committee to submit three names.
Steve Hirakami, treasurer of the Hawaii Charter Schools Network, urged the board to act as quickly as possible, since the executive director has much to do before the Legislature convenes in January.
