DOE Superintendent Matayoshi Excels

The Hawai’i State Board of Education announced Tuesday that Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi has received an overall 2014 rating of “Exceeds Expectations”.

“The overall performance grade is ‘Exceeds Expectations,’ which is one step below the prior year. The grade change reflects the increased bar of expectations and goals,” stated BOE Chairman Don Horner. “Ms. Matayoshi continues to perform well by increasing departmental transparency, accountability and executing our joint strategic plan initiatives. We have made exceptional progress under her leadership. However, much work remains to be done and effective communication with all stakeholders will be critical as we continue to move forward together.”

The rating is based on an evaluation of the Superintendent’s overall management abilities and attainment of performance objectives and program accomplishments.

In a statement released by the BOE on Tuesday, Matayoshi’s was praised for her forward momentum, despite hiring and funding challenges.

“This has been a very challenging year for the Department and I appreciate that the Board recognizes the progress in our strategic reforms,” Matayoshi told the Board. “We set very high goals and we still have work to do in reaching our targets. The results show that our teachers and students are performing well and that we are making transformative change for the future of public education in Hawai’i with the help of community partners.”

Matayoshi was named Superintendent in Sept. 2010. The BOE then re-appointed her to serve another three years in June 2014.

During the 2013 evaluations, Matayoshi was rated as “Exceptional”.