Advance copy of Letter to the Editor

May 25, 2001

Contributed by CEO Message

Editor:

We agree with your May 18 opinion that Kamehameha Schools needs to serve more Hawaiian children. However, because the editorial is responding to information almost 18 months old, an update is in order. The system-wide changes at Kamehameha Schools since 1999 have been awesome. In the last 12 months, we have:

• Adopted a comprehensive strategic plan responsive to stakeholder needs;
• Changed our entire governance structure to reflect leadership committed to experience, expertise and accountability;
• Approved building permanent K-12 campuses on Maui and Hawai'i to serve more than 2,200 students;
• Increased 12-month preschool enrollment to more than 1,330 children, and approved building new preschools in Waimanalo, Waimea and Paukukalo;
• Implemented first-ever Spending and Investment policies;
• Spent more than $150 million (over 3%) on our educational purpose;
• Initiated educational outreach efforts involving partnerships with public and private, Hawai'i and non-Hawai'i groups and organizations aimed at extending Kamehameha's reach to thousands
  more students each year.

We all feel the urgency and importance of realizing the potential of Ke Ali'i Pauahi's legacy, and we appreciate that the Advertiser's editors share a similar enthusiasm for this coming to pass. I would be happy to host a meeting between your editors and Kamehameha's educational leaders to address any questions or concerns you may have about our mission, goals and directions.

Hamilton I. McCubbin, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Kamehameha Schools