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Waipahu High principal elevated to deputy superintendent

COURTESY HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Keith Hayashi. Hayashi, the award-winning principal of Waipahu High School, is being tapped to serve as deputy superintendent of Hawaii’s public schools, the Department of Education announced today.

Keith Hayashi, the award-winning principal of Waipahu High School, is being tapped to serve as deputy superintendent of Hawaii’s public schools, the Department of Education announced today.

Hayashi will begin March 1 and replace Stephen Schatz, who stepped down and recently accepted a position at the University of Hawaii.

The department said Hayashi has agreed to serve through the remainder of Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi’s term, which ends June 30.

“Keith is a proven educational leader and the success that is taking place at Waipahu High is a testament to his leadership and management skills,” schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said in a statement. “I’m pleased that he has accepted this role as we continue to strive for equity and excellence for all students. Keith’s experience will be valuable as we work towards the goals that I’ve set to accomplish before my term expires.”

Hayashi, who has been at Waipahu since 2009, was named Hawaii High School Principal of the Year in 2014, and in 2013 was recognized with the Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award. He previously served as complex area superintendent for the Pearl City-Waipahu complex.

Hayashi is credited with pioneering the Early College program within the DOE. The program allows high school students to earn college credit toward a future degree through various UH campuses while satisfying high school diploma requirements. He now runs the largest program in the state.

Hayashi is a graduate of Kaimuki High. He earned his bachelor’s degree and two master’s of education degrees, — in educational administration and curriculum and instruction — from the University of Hawaii.

“Under Superintendent Matayoshi’s leadership we have changed our approach to student learning by using data to analyze the needs of our students and our school community,” Hayashi said in a statement. “I’m excited to join her in continuing the work from professional development and community partnerships, to creating pathways for student success.”

Despite receiving positive annual performance evaluations, the Board of Education announced in October that Matayoshi’s contract would not be renewed and has convened a search committee to find her replacement. The board’s chairman said at the time that the state has an opportunity to move public education in a new direction, citing a revised strategic plan and changes under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.

6 responses to “Waipahu High principal elevated to deputy superintendent”

  1. allie says:

    he has a good reputation. We need brains like his! Congrats!

  2. kimo says:

    Congratulations, Keith. Your innovative programs at Waipahu HS are making the progression and transition from high school to college simpler and easier. You’re able to think outside of the box, and you’re giving credence to the governor’s belief that more decision-making power needs to be put in the hands of principals. Your appointment is the beginning of school-level autonomy that will put power in the hands of the people closest to the students and teachers. You really ought to be the superintendent rather than the deputy, but maybe that’s the next step. (Disclaimer: I’m not personally related to or associated with Principal Hayashi.)

  3. sccoutt says:

    Never thought I’d say this, but I’m seriously considering applying for a GE for my child to attend Waipahu High School and it’s because of the Early College program that Hayashi started there. Hope he shakes things up in the DOE.

  4. dontbelieveinmyths says:

    Leave the good principals alone. Why is a deputy super necessary? How many deputies and assistants do you need?

  5. danji says:

    Why is hayashi taking the position when it will end when matayoshi leaves. Even like when he was complex superintendent then went back to being a principal. It’s all about money( how people keep the higher wage Isfahan they go back down ). Anyway this is how the DOE operates-just look why there is a huge difference in wages in each level). I know there is a teacher who’s pay is more than $125,000. Why??ateacher is just a teacher.

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