Cathy Ikeda News Today

The state Public Charter School Commission, which oversees Hawaii’s 37 public charter schools, finally has a permanent executive director after having been without one since 2020.

Test score data suggests that students in Hawaii’s 37 public charter schools as a group are lagging markedly behind regular public school students statewide in core subjects, and that has led some state lawmakers to demand stronger accountability and standards from charter school officials.

The public charter school Kamalani Academy in Wahiawa could shut down in June after the state Public Charter School Commission this week denied its bid for a five-year renewal of its contract, but school leaders say they will appeal the decision.

UH West Oʻahu alumna Lydia Saffery received the National Council of Teachers of English Early Career Educator of Color Leadership Award.

The school's governing board said it plans to appeal the decision.

Hawaii’s only charter school authorizer is charting a path to progress, but some school leaders remain skeptical about the commission's ability to both regulate and support the schools.