Additional Awardees Named by HPCSN

Hawai’i Public Charter Schools Network announced the final winners on Tuesday for the 2015 Charter Schools Awards in the categories of Legislators of the Year and Community Partner of the Year.

The additional honorees will join previously announced individuals and schools, including two Kona schools.

Senator Michelle Kidani and Representative Roy Takumi were named Legislators of the Year. The Community Partner of the Year award winner is Don Lee of K12 Inc.

Previously announced awardees include Innovations New Century PCS, who will be recognized as the “Most Improved Charter School,” and West Hawai’i Explorations Academy, who will be honored as one of two schools “Creating New Best Practice.”

On the individual side, it was previously announced that Big Island educator Jennifer Hiro of Innovations New Century PCS would be honored as “Charter Leader of the Year.” Mary Quijano of Na Wai Ola Public Charter School, Heather Nakakura of WHEA, and Kananinohea Makaimoku of Ke Kula o Nawahiokalaniopuu Iki Laboratory Public Charter School will be honored with the “Circle of Teaching Excellence” award

“Our theme this year, ‘Changing the Education Paradigm,’ is indicative of the individuals and schools we will be honoring at this year’s awards,” said Lynn Finnegan, executive director of the Hawai’i Public Charter Schools Network.  “This group reflects the innovations that take place in charter schools across the state each day and how those innovative practices provide effective educational choices for Hawai’i’s keiki and their families.”

The awards dinner will be held in the Pomaikai Ballroom at Dole Cannery on Oahu from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on May 14.