HONOLULU — State Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto announced Tuesday that she will not be seeking renewal of her employment contract.
The decision was announced via a virtual conference. Her final day with the DOE is July 30.
“After much consideration and reflection, I will not be seeking a renewal of my contract,” Kishimoto said.
“I am committed to serving out the remainder of my term. This has been a great four years. We have pushed innovation and new thinking around how do we address equity of access. And I’m very proud of our public-school employees, our public-school teams and our partners who have stood with us in getting important work done.
“I’m also extremely proud of their return-to-learn work that has happened to keep kids and employees safe in schools during what has been an unprecedented, an extremely difficult time period,” Kishimoto said.
Gov. David Ige said Kishimoto has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to equity of access for all students, giving students a voice and localizing decision-making at the campus level.
“I thank Christina for her dedication and leadership over the past four years, and I wish her the very best always,” Ige said.
“I will be working with the superintendent over the next few months on a smooth transition and to ensure that the DOE sustains the excellent momentum and progress made under Dr. Kishimoto’s leadership.”
For the next four months, Kishimoto said she will be focused on the upcoming quarters, reopening plans and preparation for the next school year, as well as laying the groundwork for what will happen over the summer.
“There’s work that we have to do to remain focused on students and what students and their families need at this time,” Kishimoto said.
“I will be working with the board on transitioning so that the next leader can keep this work going. Because great work has happened. And there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Kishimoto said stepping down from her position as the DOE superintendent was a tough and personal decision. She also said the issue of her position has taken attention from what she says is a more important issue.
“What I am seeing is an unnecessary distraction to what we need to be focused on,” Kishimoto said. “And so it’s really in the interest of not having my contract be a distraction, keeping our eyes on the work that has to happen for students.”
The state Board of Education will decide who will be take her place in August. She’s willing to help with transition to a new superintendent once one is chosen.
“My notice just went to (the BOE) today,” Kishimoto said. “I did reach out to the governor to talk to him as well. I will be involved as much as I am asked to be involved with that transition and succession planning.”
“I don’t know what my next-step plans are,” Kishimoto said. “My next-step plan right now is to get us through the rest of the school year and transition.”
Some members of the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association and some parents have been vocal in calling for Kishimoto’s resignation, citing a lack of clear direction and communication as grounds for resignation.
Upon hearing of Kishimoto’s resignation, HSTA President Corey Rosenlee said: “We wish Christina Kishimoto success in her future endeavors while we look forward to working towards securing the schools our keiki deserve.”
Kishimoto said she has no plans after her last day in office, and said she is keeping her options open. Her focus, currently, is on continuing the progress she’s been able to make in her role as superintendent, and on helping transition the state to a new superintendent.
“I have spent four years talking about the power and promise of public education, and talking about reframing how we think about public schools as hubs of innovation for business and industry,” Kishimoto said.
“I don’t want that momentum to stop. And there are a lot of people invested in that. The best thing to do is to transfer my leadership role to the next person. That I’m going to do, and I’m going to do it well.”
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Stephanie Shinno, education, business, and community reporter can be reached at 245-0424 or sshinno@thegardenisland.com.
I’m not with the DOE, so I wouldn’t know the politics behind it. But back in the 1970s and 1980s and some of it now, there were some “fame and popularity stars” from athletics having no degree and wanting to move their way into education. Teaching classes in the regular curriculum. There is always a few spoilers ruining it for quality education. I suppose you’re one of those against it but won’t say it. Too much to do and too much to pay. That’s business side of it. I am happy you don’t borrow a car. This helps a lot when. Judging these things.
One more thing, is the executive office in education that glamorous? It seems to me that too much headache and very little reward. I was always for the business guy earning a living. From that standpoint I’ll hire a “fame and popularity star”, then I will say it. I love the thrill of power. This is true education.
When you dissent from what the union wants your days are numbered. Thanks for trying and speaking up for yourself.
HSTA (the Hawaii teachers union) has been the absolute worst this past year; they insisted on all Kauai public schools staying closed despite there not being any Covid cases on any campus and no student transmissions. They wanted a year off from work – paid with benefits – and they fought anyone who attempted to get students back in school. I’m sure Kishimoto has better things to do in life than spend her days dealing with the selfish imbecility of the teachers unions.