The DOE has mandated that all schools be fully open in the fall, but many families want their kids to still attend classes remotely.

Keith Hayashi told reporters he believes communication is “important in building positive relationships and trust.”

The closure of one of Honolulu’s few alternative education programs comes as a setback after a challenging pandemic year for all students.

The new two-year agreement, which one union representative acknowledged was “disappointing for many,” takes effect on July 1.

The commission known as PACE was formed through the adoption of a Hawaii Supreme Court rule earlier this year, a day after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Christina Kishimoto’s remarks to the Board of Education provided more context on her pledge to fully reopen schools next year without a distance learning option.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association has reached a preliminary agreement with state officials on a new contract for the next two years, but it still must be approved by members.

If approved by the Board of Education as expected, Waipahu High School principal Keith Hayashi will step into the role after Christina Kishimoto steps down at the end of July.

Preliminary data shows the college-going rate could be declining.