Molokai gains charter
schoolKualapuu Elementary switches from
being a regular public school
Kualapuu Elementary School, in the heart of Molokai, became Hawaii's newest charter school this week, teaming up with a nonprofit funded largely by Kamehameha Schools.
"It was about the resources and also the flexibility," Principal Lydia Trinidad said yesterday. "We can finally say where do we really want to put our money and our resources that would make a difference for the children. ... It's hard to have a vision without the resources sometimes."
By becoming a charter school under the umbrella of the nonprofit Ho'okako'o Corp., the school will receive $1 for ever $4 provided to it by the state. Kamehameha Schools supports Ho'okako'o, a private nonprofit agency, as part of its efforts to reach more needy children beyond its campuses.
With 370 students, Kualapuu School is small by state standards, but it is the largest elementary school on Molokai. More than 80 percent of its students are of Hawaiian ancestry, and two out of three qualify for subsidized lunch.
Along with more funds, Ho'okako'o Corp. will give the school technical help to take on responsibilities previously handled by the state Department of Education, such as personnel and budgeting, said Lynn Fallin, Ho'okako'o's executive director.
A charter school is a public school that operates under a charter, or contract, with the state that frees it from many state regulations. The Board of Education approved Kualapuu's application on Thursday night at its meeting in Kealakehe on the Big Island.
Most of Hawaii's 27 charter schools are start-up operations. Kualapuu is the fourth regular public school to convert to charter status and the second to do so in partnership with Ho'okako'o, after Waimea Middle School on the Big Island.
"Of the whole charter movement, I think we have the best of both worlds," Trinidad said. "Because we were a traditional school, we have some structures in place. We have a relationship with the Department of Education, but here's our chance to see what can we do with the flexibility and the resources."
She hopes to hire a full-time parent facilitator to encourage parental involvement, as well as another teacher. Over the longer term, the school might consider extending the school day or school year, she said.
Ho'okako'o Corp. will serve as Kualapuu's local school board. The school will also have a local advisory council made up of parents, faculty and staff. Trinidad said about 70 percent of the parents, teachers and staff voted to switch to charter status.
"We understand that there are some risks, but nothing worthwhile comes easily," she said.
Kualapuu will continue to be the public school for its community, which includes Kualapuu, Kalae and Hawaiian homesteads. It also offers a Hawaiian immersion program that draws students islandwide.
Ho'okako'o has been meeting with about 20 schools statewide about the possibility of becoming charter schools, according to Fallin.
"We're removing the barriers as they emerge," Fallin said. "It's a work in progress."