The Ho’okako’o School Board, by terminating Mr. John Colson as principal from Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School on the Big Island has disrupted our school, disrupted the learning of our children and their studies, and disrespected the parents by removing Mr. John Colson. With no explanation to the children, parents, or community this is inexcusable!

The Ho’okako’o School Board has stonewalled the faculty and parents by refusing to give us any answers. This is not respectful to the Waimea community, keiki or parents in any way. We feel this is a very serious injustice and can only be construed as a politically motivated agenda.

As the parent of a student at WMS, I believe this is very much our business. My son is a student at Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School and has the utmost respect for Mr. Colson and no one will answer his questions causing him to question your authority as do I.

We want Mr. Colson reinstated unless you will publicly and truthfully state the REAL reason for Mr. Colson’s termination. Given his recent performance review of 4.8 out of 5, it’s obviously not a performance issue. Also given that Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School is one of the highest rated schools in the state, again his performance cannot be an issue. As his forced resignation was also not due to any impropriety, what is left??

That said, the only other avenue would be a personal vendetta / agenda to take his job by an individual, quite possibly this Ms. McCorriston who is temporarily heating his chair, she will never fill his shoes.

Principal John Colson is widely respected by his students, teachers, school staff, parents, and community members. You people should be ashamed of yourselves for either being part of this gross misuse of power or for standing by and allowing it to happen. Mr. Colson has done nothing but continue to impress me with his tireless devotion to his students, always pushing them to do better, to be better, to be the best they can at all times.

I am proud to have my son attend Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School under the guidance of Mr. Colson and feel anything less is unacceptable and insulting to the Hawaii school system. Mr Colson has proven over the past 3 1/2 years he is the best person to continue the very good work that he has done for this school.

I anxiously await the reversal of this incredibly poor decision.

About the author: Randy Horne is a published photographer, writer, and father with an unshakable love of life and the adventures we have along the way. Currently living in Kamuela for the past 2 years after growing up in Southern California.