DOE Awards $1 Million Total to 32 High-Achieving Hawaii Public Schools

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The Hawaii Department of Education this morning gave 32 public schools between $12,500 and $100,000 each in surprise cash prizes. The awards add up to $1 million. 

The Strive HI Awards, as they’re known, recognize schools for significant academic progress for two consecutive years. The rewards are one-time grants meant to further improvement efforts, according to a DOE press release. The money comes from Hawaii’s four-year Race to the Top federal grant.

The ceremony was held at Kaneohe’s King Intermediate School — one of the schools to receive a cash prize. Attendees included Gov. Neil Abercrombie, schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi and Deputy Superintendent Ronn Nozoe. (Visit the DOE’s Facebook page for photos from the ceremony.)

The schools that got the top prizes — those amounting to $100,000 each — were recognized for completing their “restructuring” process by meeting annual progress goals for two consecutive years. “Restructuring” was a provision outlined in the No Child Left Behind law. Those schools include:

  • Hilo Intermediate School
  • King Intermediate School
  • Moanalua Middle School
  • Halau Ku Mana Public Charter School (Oahu)
  • Waters of Life Public Charter School (Big Island)

The next highest awards — worth $50,000 each — were given to Benjamin Parker and Nanakuli elementary schools, both of which also exited restructuring. (Both schools also got additional money for boosting reading and/or math proficiency.)

The Strive HI Awards also recognized schools that ranked in the top 5 percent in Hawaii for reading and/or math progress. Awards amounting to $12,500 each were given to schools who met one of those benchmarks. $25,000 rewards were given to schools that met both, including Nanakuli Elementary. 

Four other schools got the $25,000 prizes: Thomas Jefferson Elementary on Oahu, King Kekaulike on Maui and Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate and Keaau High on Hawaii Island.

Parker Elementary won an extra $12,500 for progress in math. 

Other schools receiving $12,500 include:

  • Aliamanu Elementary (Math)
  • Haaheo Elementary (Math)
  • Haleiwa Elementary (Reading)
  • Hokulani Elementary (Reading)
  • James Campbell High (Math)
  • Kahakai Elementary (Math)
  • Kanoelani Elementary (Math)
  • Kanuikapono Learning Center Public Charter School (Reading)
  • Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino (Reading)
  • Keaau Middle (Math)
  • Kealakehe High (Math)
  • Kilohana Elementary (Math)
  • King William Lunalilo Elementary (Math)
  • Kohala High (Reading)
  • Kula Kaiapuni O Anuenue (Reading)
  • Lanakila Elementary (Math)
  • Manoa Elementary (Reading)
  • Maunawili Elementary (Reading)
  • Pahoa High & Intermediate (Math)
  • Red Hill Elementary (Reading)
  • William P. Jarrett Middle (Reading)

The prize money must be used for upgrades at the schools.

Courtesy of HIDOE Facebook page

— Alia Wong

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