A replacement has been found for Jim Williams, who resigned from the Hawaii state Board of Education last month.

Gov. David Ige on Monday appointed former public school teacher and principal Darrel Galera.

Galera, according to a press release from the administration, “has a rich background” in public education. He is the school leadership consultant and coach for the Hawaii Center for Instructional Leadership, and currently serves as chair of the Governor’s ESSA Team (Every Student Succeeds Act).

Galera was a social studies teacher at Moanalua High School, where he was named Teacher of the Year in 1984.

Darrel Galera.
Darrel Galera. Courtesy: Governor's Office

He was also principal at Shafter Elementary, S.W. King Intermediate, Aiea Elementary, Moanalua High and Castle High.

Galera is a graduate of Waipahu High School. He earned a master’s degree in educational administration and bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies at the University of Hawaii Manoa

“Darrel has been instrumental in engaging the public all across the state to help build the blueprint for our public school system. His service on the board will help bridge the work of the Board of Education and the ESSA Team,” said Ige.

In his resignation, Williams cited differences with the governor over ESSA.

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