Three finalists selected for KS Kapalama Head of School

September 19, 2011

Contributed by Thomas Yoshida

The process to find a new Head of School began in mid-May with a wide-reaching search facilitated by a third party search firm, Wickenden & Associates. After reviewing over 30 completed applications for this position, semi-finalist interviews were conducted a week ago.

Dr. Rod Chamberlain, Vice President for Campus Strategic and Academic Affairs coordinated the search process in collaboration with Wickenden.

"We received numerous nominations and input from the public via an online survey at the Wickenden website www.wickenden.com," said Dr. Chamberlain. "We'd like to take this opportunity to thank those individuals who sat on the review committee – both campus and community members - that helped us get to this point in the search process."

The three finalists, all of who are originally from Hawai'i are:

Lee Ann DeLima: Currently, the Headmaster of Kamehameha Schools' Maui Campus, DeLima believes the continued success as a high performing and achieving school begins with the selection of a committed leader who embraces the work of Pauahi with full purpose of heart.

In her present capacity, DeLima oversees K-12 educational services for 1,100 Native Hawaiian students, 245 full-time and 250 temporary faculty and staff by implementing school-wide practices that support a work and learning environment founded on Hawaiian and Christian values. She guides a K-12 educational program with a focus on best practices in curriculum, instruction and assessment. In addition to oversight of all campus operations, DeLima is also responsible for the educational outreach programs with two public schools servicing 240 nontraditional Kamehameha students and identifies methods to extend outreach services to more Native Hawaiian children and families.

DeLima possesses a Master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, and is a member of the National Education Association.

"A Po'o Kula (Head of School) responds to a unique call of duty to build the Lāhui Hawai'i by preparing students to serve in leadership capacities," added DeLima.

J. Noelani Goodyear-Ka'ōpua, PhD: As a professor of Political Science at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UH), Goodyear-Ka'ōpua has helped to build UH's indigenous politics program by establishing school-community partnerships, creating innovative curriculum and nurturing cross-cultural, cross-disciplinary exchange.

Goodyear-Ka'ōpua possesses a Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her dissertation Ku i ka Mana: Building community and nation through contemporary Hawaiian Schooling led to her work as co-founder and co-author of founding documents and grants for Hālau Kū Mana Public Charter School as well as a teacher and assessment specialist and supervisor for day-to-day administration of the school.

"Over the last two centuries, Kānaka Hawai'i have looked to schools as sites for the uplift and self-determination of our people, in the face of grim and unjust social conditions. I have devoted my life to education because I firmly believe that educators, students, families and communities together can shape more balanced and sustainable futures."

Earl T. Kim: Currently, Earl Kim is the Superintendent of Schools of the Montgomery School District in New Jersey. Leaving Hawai'i 17 years ago, Kim travelled the United States, Western Pacific, Europe and Asia to gain perspective on "our" place in the world. "I had the good fortune of studying at great universities with wonderful teachers and fellow sojourners," said Kim. "I am eager now to apply my learning in the service of the people and the islands that I love and call home. I can think of no nobler pursuit, no better use for my education and experience than the making of the archetypical 'Hawaiian School.' Our keiki deserve no less."

Kim possesses a Master's degree in Public Affairs, Domestic Policy from Princeton University. A member of the Board of Trustees, Foundation Academy Charter School and Founding Member, Verona Foundation for Educational Excellence, Kim has also been awarded the New Jersey Schools to Watch Award and the New Jersey Principal of the Year and School Leader Award.

"I would also bring a deeply held set of beliefs in the capacity of every child to achieve his/her wishes and dreams and our concomitant professional responsibility to help him/her to achieve the same," remarked Kim. "Moreover, my commitment to the children of Hawai'i – that they grow to become confident, caring and successful adults; and in doing so ensure the preservation of our distinctively Hawaiian culture, is undying. It is the kind of devotion that my teachers and coaches gave to me and it is what I will give to every child whom I serve."

"We are pleased to announce that these three finalists selected represent the strong qualities we'd expect to encounter in such an important search," stated CEO, Dee Jay Mailer. "We'll be conducting final interviews during October and will make a final decision in early November."

Interviews with finalists will include representatives from the Kapālama faculty, administration, students, and parents as well as alumni and the general community.

Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational, charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Kamehameha Schools operates a statewide educational system enrolling nearly 6,900 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on O'ahu, Maui and Hawai'i and 31 preschool sites statewide. Approximately 37,500 additional Hawaiian learners and caregivers are served each year through a range of other Kamehameha Schools' outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawai'i and across the continental United States.