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Members

Board of Education

Mike Victorino, Chairperson
Winston Sakurai, Vice Chairperson
Shannon Ajifu
Lex Brodie
Adrian Howell (Excused)
Marilee Lyons
Ron Nakano

Dr. Mitsugi Nakashima

Galen Onouye, Executive Director
Cara Tanimura, Analyst

Department of Education

Mr. Victorino called the meeting of the Committee on Student Services to order at 4:07 p.m., in the Board Room, Queen Liliuokalani Building.

Mrs. Lyons moved, and Mr. Nakano seconded, to approve the minutes of the meeting held on December 15, 1999.

The motion carried.

Mr. Art Kaneshiro explained that this SCBM waiver pertains to the middle school promotion policy. The school wants to raise the promotion standards required for students at their school.

Through teleconferencing, Ms. Georgia Goens, a teacher at Konawaena Middle School, explained that they want to raise the academic standards for all students by requiring students to pass all four of their core subjects (math, science, social studies, and English) each year.

In response to Mrs. Ajifu, Ms. Goens stated that even though English and Social Studies are working together, they receive credits for both courses.

Mrs. Ajifu suggested that the students receive two credits for the course, but must meet all of the requirements of the course to pass.

Ms. Goens understood what Mrs. Ajifu is saying, however, that is not the structure of the middle school curriculum.

In response to Mr. Brodie, Ms. Goens stated that they spoke with Kealakehe Intermediate school about this matter and so far, have not had any problems.

In response to Mrs. Lyons, Ms. Goens stated that their surveys showed that 80% of the respondents favored the proposed promotion policy.

In response to Mr. Sakurai, Ms. Goens explained that eighth graders must pass English, math, and two other electives, for a total of eight credits in the two years. They take English, math, social studies, health, physical education, and one other elective.

In response to Mr. Nakano, Ms. Goens stated that a student can pass a class with a “D,” however, that student would be required to attend study hall.

Mr. Sakurai moved, and Mr. Nakano seconded, to approve the Konawaena Middle School SCBM Waiver #5 regarding a change of promotion requirements.

Mrs. Ajifu stated that it appears that sometimes the Board policies create problems for the schools.

Mr. Kaneshiro added that Mr. Ron Toma and his group are looking at a middle school policy, because the promotion policies do not fit the middle school philosophy.

Dr. Nakashima stated that the other missing piece to the middle school policy is to look at the course of study for grades 7 through 12 and recommending some revisions.

The motion carried.

Mr. Seo explained that they were asked to update the Committee on the status of the Department’s safety committees. He further stated that when they look at safety, they look at three areas: (1) student safety; (2) employee safety; and (3) workplace safety. The Department must comply with occupational safety and health requirements for the schools. In Hawaii, it is called the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health (HIOSH). The standards require that employers involve employees in safety matters and that they participate in workplace safety issues. The Board promulgated a safety policy.

HIOSH also requires that every workplace have a safety and accident prevention program. The Department established such a program, thus every school also has one.

The Department also created companion safety regulations for the Board safety policy. One of the requirements is that schools must form safety committees. The school safety committees are an excellent vehicle for schools to take ownership of any matter related to safety. The Board also adopted a safe workplace policy, which is covered under HIOSH as well.

Mr. Seo explained that the unfortunate incident at Nanakuli showed that it is extremely important to have emergency plans, because everything went fairly smoothly. The principal at Nanaikapono was pleased that things went very well during that incident.

Dr. Bruce Hisanaga quickly reviewed some of the materials that were distributed to all of the Committee members. Dr. Hisanaga noted that some of the materials, specifically, the status of school safety committees, has been updated as of this afternoon.

Mrs. Hamamoto stated that Mr. Rodney Goo and Dr. Hisanaga have made presentations for the vice principals at the schools. The schools that have not submitted plans are primarily the elementary schools, who do not have extra administrative assistance. The information regarding this matter was targeted at the vice principals. However, many of the elementary schools only have a principal.

Mr. Victorino suggested that the principal of Nanaikapono Elementary be invited to the next principal’s meeting at the various districts, so that he can explain the importance of having a safety plan based on first-hand experience.

In response to Mrs. Lyons, Mr. Seo stated that the debriefing with Nanaikapono focused on those things that went well, however, they did look at those areas that needed improvement. They will be working with Nanaikapono on those areas that need more work.

Mr. Seo further stated that the three Nanakuli schools performed very well under the circumstances. Kapolei Elementary was presented with some very unique problems because they took care of students who attended other schools as well as disabled students. The community also responded by assisting the school.

In response to Mr. Brodie, Dr. Hisanaga stated that HIOSH requires monthly safety meetings, however, the Department received a variance, so the committees meets once per quarter. The Department encourages the committee to meet often, especially in the early stages. Once the committees are proactive, then they can reduce their meetings to four per year.

Dr. Hisanaga explained that the accident report form is being updated by Mr. Winston Towada. The OSHA Log 200 also needs to be filled out for accidents that require more than just first aid. No matter what type of accident, the school must fill out the form and submit it to the district office. The district office sends it to Mr. Towada, who in turn sends it to the Safety and Security office on an annual basis.

Mr. Seo noted that they may want to receive the accident reports more frequently, however, they don’t have the staff to keep up with the numbers.

In response to Mrs. Ajifu, Mr. Seo stated that the OSHA report has always been in place.

Dr. Hisanaga explained that when the HIOSH inspector goes to inspect, the inspector looks at the Log 200 and call for the WC 1 form, and they both should correlate. If they don’t, that would mean a citation.

Mr. Nakano thanked Mr. Seo and his staff for allowing the Committee member’s to visit and look at the various weapons that were confiscated from students. Although it was very educational, it was also very disturbing.

Mr. Victorino mentioned that Mr. Seo, Mr. Goo, and Dr. Hisanaga will give a brief presentation at the next Board meeting on a new safety program for the high schools.

Mr. Victorino suggested having the Committee meetings on the last Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. The next meeting would be on February 23, 2000 at 4:00 p.m.

Mr. Victorino emphasized that the Committee would meet on the last Wednesday of each month.

Mr. Nakano noted that students sometimes place drugs in other students lockers. If the lockers were made of plexiglass, then things would be more visible and it would help discourage hiding weapons and drugs.

Mr. Seo suggested that they can do some preliminary research on the lockers issue.

Mr. Victorino stated that if the Committee members have any suggestions for future agenda items, to please inform the Board staff.

Mr. Brodie would like information regarding SCBM waivers the change of promotion requirements. Specifically, he would like to know when the first waivers were made and if those schools are making any progress. They should compare year one from year two, and explain the evaluation criteria.

Mrs. Ajifu expressed her concern that the policy is causing some problems for schools. Perhaps the Committee should look at the policy to see if it needs to be rewritten so that they don’t need waivers.

At the suggestion of Mr. Nakano, Mr. Victorino asked all of the Committee members to submit possible agenda items to the Board staff by February 11th, and at the next meeting, they will prioritize those items.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.