SHANNON AJIFU /
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER

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STAR-BULLETIN / 1998 State Board of Education member Shannon Ajifu, shown here tallying votes at her home on election night in 1998, died yesterday morning at the age of 68.

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Dedicated educator
‘cut to chase’

The state Board of Education lost its most experienced former educator yesterday with the death of board member Shannon Ajifu. She was 68.

Family members said Ajifu, who had been suffering for years from ovarian cancer and osteoporosis, died yesterday morning at the Queen's Medical Center.

However, despite being confined to a wheelchair due to her frail health, she rarely missed the board's twice-weekly meetings.

Ajifu's sister Gail Wong said the school system was Ajifu's life.

"She was so passionate about education and about doing what was best for the children," she said. "She wouldn't give up her seat no matter how sick she was."

Ajifu was elected to the board in 1998 after a 36-year career as a teacher, counselor, vice principal and principal in Oahu public schools.

One of only a handful of former educators on the 14-member board, Ajifu was known for a lucidity and school-level perspective that helped keep the board's often wayward discussions on track.

"We are deeply, deeply saddened by Shannon's passing," board Chairman Breene Harimoto said. "Shannon's dedication to her work and love for education made her a true advocate for Hawaii's public schools and public school students."

"She was like a mother hen to us," Harimoto said. "She had a way of cutting to the chase, right down to what it is that affects student achievement."

"Her clear focus on student achievement, institutional knowledge and extensive background as a former educator added perspective to board discussions and kept the board focused on sound and doable educational improvement," Harimoto said.

Herbert Watanabe, the board's second vice chairman, noted, "Having 'walked the walk,' Shannon was aware of the realm of possibilities in improving public education and understood the challenges and experiences of educators in raising student achievement."

Gov. Linda Lingle must appoint a replacement to fill Ajifu's Oahu at-large seat until her term expires next year.

After graduating from St. Francis School, Ajifu went on to earn her bachelor's in education and fifth-year diploma from the University of Hawaii, and her master's in education from New York University.

Ajifu is survived by husband Shoyei, son Lee, daughter Beth Yos and two grandchildren. Memorial services are pending.