WAIMEA — The principal of Waimea Canyon Middle School has been removed from her position in the midst of increasing complaints from parents, teachers and students.
Last week, parents and teachers held a community meeting calling for the state Department of Education to remove Melissa Speetjens from her position, alleging she has mishandled bullying issues, neglected student safety and dismissed concerns about education quality at the school.
Daniel Hamada, Kauai complex area superintendent for the department, said at the meeting he would “look at the facts” by holding meetings with the school community council, faculty members and PTSA before making a decision.
Parents and teachers then held a protest at the school on Monday morning, where they continued to call for Speetjens to be ousted from her position.
Just hours after the rally, Hamada sent school faculty a letter announcing that Speetjens would be replaced by Ray Carvalho, who will serve as the school’s interim principal effective Aug. 1.
“Mr. Carvalho brings years of leadership experience at the elementary and high school levels. He has helped Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School make positive gains with middle school curriculum and put programs solidly in place.”
Hamada did not mention the mounting complaints against Speetjens and instead continued by thanking Speetjens for her time as principal.
“I would like to thank Principal Melissa Speetjens for her years of service at Waimea Canyon Middle School and look forward to her future success as she takes on a new position within the East Complex Schools.”
Krisyln Yano, a communications specialist with the state Department of Education, said the department could not provide any further details on Speetjens’ removal or her transfer to another school.
“Because this is a personnel matter, we cannot share additional details at this time,” Yano said.
The Garden Island reached out to Speetjens for comment, but she did not respond.
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Emma Grunwald, reporter, can be reached 808-652-0638 or egrunwald@thegardenisland.com.
