Whether you’re a longtimer or a new employee, chances are good that you’ve recently met with Kamehameha Schools CEO Jack Wong.

Ever since the KS trustees approved the draft Strategic Plan 2020 on July 16, Wong and other Kamehameha leaders have mobilized to share the plan, titled “Kūhanauna, A Generation on the Rise,” with all KS employees.

The strategic plan presentations gave staff an opportunity to share questions and manaʻo. One of the most common questions was about measurement – particularly measures related to educational milestones.

Another common theme was terminology – how KS is defining terms such as “world-class, culture-based education” and “Native Hawaiian identity.” In addition, staff asked about the role of collaborations, kūpuna, and ʻohana in the work ahead.

Although the questions raised at each presentation were usually answered, the hard questions are likely to persist throughout the action planning and tactical planning phases.

“Working toward a shared vision for our future is a shared kuleana,” Wong said. “We expect probing questions and self-reflection. And we expect that the ongoing discussions will result in a plan of action we can all support.”

Other work related to the strategic plan is moving ahead full steam. The action planning teams and regional planning efforts, which began in July, are making significant progress and will be submitting recommendations to leadership in December.

Implementing the new strategic plan will require new ways of thinking and new ways of working.

“There’s still a lot of hard work ahead,” Wong said. “Working together, we’ll be able to address issues and succeed in our long-term vision for Native Hawaiian learners.”

Here’s what some of our faculty and staff members are saying about the plan:

“It is reassuring when we get the chance to hear from our alakaʻi, and moreover when they take the time to listen. I am hopeful that positive change will result and that our schools – the foundation of our Princess’s vision – will continue to lead our movement forward. Mahalo nui for listening, and mahalo nui for helping us feel valued.”  – Andrew Lai, KS Kapālama speech teacher

“The strategic plan is inspiring. With almost 30 years as an educator – plus six years as a KS student – I am committed to seeing the success of Kūhanauna. More than anything I want the Lāhui to flourish.”  – Herb Wilson, KS Hawaiʻi High School counselor

“To advance our Lāhui, we need to focus on where the majority of our haumāna are. It’s so important for Kamehameha to be working with the Department of Education and charter schools.”  – Nālani Pollock, KS Maui curriculum and technology teacher

“As an alumna, teacher, and parent of two KSM graduates, I was very pleased with the goals of the strategic plan. Formalizing coalitions with key partners and working with the public school system is definitely a step to increase learner success.”  – Kanani Franco, KS Maui religious education instructor

Working toward a shared vision for our future is a shared kuleana. We expect probing questions and self-reflection. And we expect that the ongoing discussions will result in a plan of action we can all support.
Jack Wong, KS Chief Executive Officer

KS Kapālama High School science department head Chris Blake shares his manaʻo with Wong after a presentation in a Konia Building classroom.

Public Education Support Director Dr. Shawn Kanaiaupuni, who is leading Kamehameha’s strategic planning efforts, joins Wong at a KS Kapālama presentation.

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