While district superintendents on other islands are scrambling to fill principal and vice-principal slots at various public schools, Daniel “Danny” Hamada has no such worries. At least this year. Just one principal, Barbara Baker of Hanalei School, has vacated her
While district superintendents on other islands are scrambling to fill principal and vice-principal slots at various public schools, Daniel “Danny” Hamada has no such worries.
At least this year.
Just one principal, Barbara Baker of Hanalei School, has vacated her position, for a job in the district office, said Hamada, state Department of Education Kaua‘i district superintendent.
And her successor has been chosen, though not officially named yet, Hamada said.
For the few vice-principal slots opened up, including one created by the retirement of Gary Kitabayashi at Waimea Canyon School, there are several qualified applicants, said Hamada.
Statewide, retirements of principals and vice principals are putting pressure on superintendents to fill vacancies. Making things more difficult is the fact that some classroom teachers can make just as much money as a principal or vice principal.
While Hamada faces no such crisis this year, his day will come.
After the 2003-04 school year, and in the four school years after that, there will be several Kaua‘i principals who will have reached the age (55) and service (30 years) requirements allowing them to retire, said Hamada.
