The challenge of this year is reflected in new statewide data showing 20% of Hawaii’s students are at “high risk” for chronic absenteeism.

The issue drew heated discussion from some board members over the “optics” of leadership pay raises in the current economic climate.

The state Board of Education’s transition committee proposed filling the role on a temporary basis to allow more time to search for a permanent hire.

The 15-day program will be supported by federal stimulus funds intended to address pandemic learning loss among Hawaii’s disproportionately impacted youth.

The statement came after the governor didn’t submit enough nominees for consideration for upcoming vacancies.

Schools had to get creative to accommodate more in-person students while maintaining safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The changes varied school to school and island to island, based on a new report by the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools.

Researchers said Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Black students were disproportionately cited for offenses like running away from home or truancy.

Some education insiders said while union opposition was damaging, it was not “as simple as unions throwing their weight around.”