Aug. 17, 2020
Contributed by Nadine Lagaso
Kamehameha Schools Maui appointed four professionals to its leadership team who bring a depth and breadth of educational experience rooted in culture, action-driven leadership and a passion for educating keiki to become globally minded servant leaders.
“Each individual’s invaluable experience coupled with their dedication to uplifting our keiki, passion for innovative teaching and commitment to thoughtful leadership will help propel KS Maui in the field of education,” said Dr. Scott K. Parker, KS Maui po‘o kula (head of school). “In working together we will further advance Ke Ali‘i Pauahi’s vision of providing a world-class education for our haumāna.”
Congratulations to the following new alakaʻi (leaders):
Brian Salzer
Upper Division Head
Salzer assumed his role in June after serving as American High School Principal for grades 7 through 12 and managing director for grades K through 12 at John F. Kennedy School, a bilingual and bicultural educational institution, in Berlin, Germany.
He is charged with initiating the process of merging KS Maui middle and high schools into one unified upper division. Salzer brings a passion for cultural and language education to his new role, where he will also work collaboratively with the KS Maui leadership team to develop a program grounded in KS’ Hawaiian culture-based E Ola! Learner Outcomes. This program aims to provide an innovative, rigorous and student-centered learning environment for haumāna and their ʻohana.
“I look forward to collaborating with and learning from students, parents and teachers about how we can set measurable goals to enrich the educational experience at KS Maui,” Salzer said. “Together, we can strengthen our campus community and build on KS’ reputation as a world-class institution.”
Dr. Yann Lussiez
Lower Division Head
Lussiez joined the KS Maui ‘ohana in June after serving as head of school at Desert Academy, an international baccalaureate school for students in grades 6 through 12 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
His experience as a Peace Corps volunteer, in addition to various educational roles including teacher, assistant principal and education program evaluator will inform his efforts to foster academic excellence, exceptional student experiences, innovation and more in the lower division, which serves students in grades K through 5.
”Research shows that the relationship between empathy, transformational leadership and teacher efficacy is vital to building a positive, supportive and nurturing community for our keiki,” Lussiez said. “By developing innovative ideas and closely collaborating with our kumu, we can help our littlest learners grow and thrive.”
Jay-R Ka‘awa
Summer and Extended Learning Head
Kaʻawa – former po‘o kumu (principal) for KS Maui’s grade 11 and 12 academies – transitioned into her new position in July. With extensive experience in implementing strategic partnerships and working with community partners, Ka‘awa is passionate about enriching the educational experience through opportunities both in and out of the classroom.
Culturally rooted and committed to ho‘ōla lāhui (to cultivate vibrancy in our people) and aloha ‘āina (love of the land), Ka‘awa is a highly motivated, team-spirited and results-oriented Native Hawaiian educator who will continue to lead and develop KS Maui’s Hawaiian culture-based curricular programs.
“Summer and extended learning programs are more important than ever as our keiki adapt to new ways of learning,” Ka‘awa said. “I’m excited about the opportunity we have to reinvent Hawaiian culture-based curricular programs to continue delivering valuable educational experiences to haumāna and ‘ohana throughout Maui County.”
Leo Delatori KSK’86
Dean of Student Support Services
Delatori – former KS Maui High School vice principal – transitioned into his new position in July. He serves as a strategic and visionary leader for grades K through 12, with a focus on developing a centralized approach to support the academic, social and emotional needs of all haumāna.
During his tenure at KS Maui, Delatori served in many roles including school counselor, interim athletic director, and head coach of girls water polo and varsity football. Prior to KS, Delatori held positions at Lahainaluna and Baldwin high schools on Maui.
“My top priority is to ensure a safe, supportive climate for our keiki,” Delatori said. “For nearly 20 years, my kuleana has been to teach, coach and mentor. I look forward to using the experience and insights I’ve gained from our ‘ohana and community to develop a centralized approach that meets the academic, social and emotional needs of all haumāna.”