Stacey Bello named superintendent of Ka‘ū-Kea‘au-Pāhoa complex area schools

Interim superintendents at four complex areas in the state were approved by the Hawai‘i State Board of Education to permanently fill the positions.

Stacey Bello was named superintendent of Ka‘ū-Kea‘au-Pāhoa Complex Area. Superintendents were also named at Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kūlanihāko‘i-Maui, Castle-Kahuku, Pearl City-Waipahu.

Bello was appointed as interim complex area superintendent in May 2022. She began her 25-year educational journey as a student teacher in the Kea‘au and over the years has served the broader Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa complex area and East Hawaiʻi schools as a substitute teacher, special education teacher, district special education resource teacher, vice principal and principal of Keaukaha and Keaʻau elementary schools.

Bello earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from the UH Hilo, teaching certifications in elementary and special education, and a master’s degree in teaching from National University.

Desiree Sides will lead the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kūlanihāko‘i-Maui complex area, Dr. Ed Noh to lead the Castle-Kahuku complex area, and Richard Fajardo to lead the Pearl City-Waipahu complex area.

“These dedicated Department leaders bring with them an abundance of experience and skills from their prior school, complex area and state level roles,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “Each of them has proven to be capable of serving as leaders of their respective complex areas and will continue to be invaluable members of our leadership team that provide all students with the opportunities, services and support that they need to succeed.”