“Stressful, Difficult”: Oshiro Claims Resignations “Have Nothing to do With Abercrombie”
SA: Dela Cruz's departure follows the resignation last month of James Boersema as the governor's communications director and leaves the administration's communications team in transition.
Blake Oshiro, Abercrombie's deputy chief of staff, will oversee communications while the administration searches for a replacement to handle the governor's media and messaging.
With Dela Cruz's exit, Abercrombie's original chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, communications director, deputy communications director and press secretary will have left the administration, an unusual degree of turnover in less than two years since the governor took office in December 2010.
"It's a stressful job, by no means am I saying it's easy, but it's not necessarily anything to do with the governor," Oshiro said of work on the governor's senior staff. "It really is a difficult position, being in the office, regardless of whoever is the governor."
Wendy Clerinx, Abercrombie's policy director, has also announced her resignation, citing family reasons.
read … Rats Jump Ship
Donalyn Dela Cruz leaves Hawaii governor’s office for Department of Education
PBN: Dela Cruz will start her new position on Nov. 1. Her last day with Abercrombie’s office is Oct. 31.
Her departure follows the departure in late September of Abercrombie’s director of communications, Jim Boersema, who joined the governor’s staff after Josh Levinson resigned last year.
Boersema has not yet been replaced.
“There are two positions the senior management is taking a look at filling in the near future,” Dela Cruz said.
Deputy Chief of Staff Blake Oshiro will handle communications for the governor’s office in the interim.
read … Rats leaping from Sinking Ship
DOE IMPLEMENTS COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIC PLAN
News Release from Hawaii DoE October 19, 2012
The Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) announced today it is implementing key statewide goals and strategies including improving communications. Leading this effort will be Donalyn Dela Cruz who has accepted the position of Director of Communications.
“When we put our strategic plan together, communications was an area in which staff, teachers, and parents asked that we improve; it was a clear directive from various levels within the department, schools, and community,” stated Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “As we continue to transform education in Hawaii’s public schools, it is imperative that we establish effective communication channels at all levels to reach our goal of improving student achievement.”
The 2012 update to the 2011 to 2018 DOE Strategic Plan states the following:
Improve(ing) our communication internally and externally so that we can all work together in support of Student Success: Improving communication includes reaching out to our families, communities, and businesses; building stronger partnerships to support student learning; and promoting learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
Dela Cruz has 17 years of experience in various aspects of communications including media relations, communications strategy, public outreach, crisis management, and government relations. Her start date is November 1, 2012.
“We are excited to welcome Donalyn to the Department of Education,” said Superintendent Matayoshi. “Donalyn has worked on the Administration’s New Day initiatives and is familiar with the changes that are underway at the DOE.”
DOE School Communications Director Sandy Goya will focus on school-level communications, an area that has been targeted for improvement. Other upcoming communications changes to the DOE include developing internet and intranet portals to improve access to information for employees, parents, community and businesses.
The state’s public school system has about 13,000 classroom teachers, 254 schools and over 180,000 students, organized into 15 complex areas.
The DOE’s mission is to serve our community by developing the academic achievement, character, and social-emotional well being of our students to the fullest potential. We work with partners, families, and communities to ensure that all students reach their aspirations from early learning through college, career, and citizenship.
-DOE-
Governor’s Communications Deputy Director Moves to Education
News Release from www.Hawaii.gov/gov October 19, 2012
HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie’s Deputy Director of Communications will be the new Director of Communications at the Hawaiꞌi Department of Education. Donalyn Dela Cruz begins her new post on November 1. Her last day with the Governor’s office is October 31.
“I will miss working with Donalyn on a day-to-day basis but am very happy that she will continue to serve within state government to advance our New Day Plan,” stated Governor Abercrombie. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Donalyn, and I am more so pleased that the Administration and the State will continue to benefit from her expertise. Education is one of my highest priorities, and Donalyn is ready to take on this new challenge as the Department of Education continues to make necessary systemic changes.”
“I am looking forward to serving the State in this new capacity,” stated Ms. Dela Cruz. “It has been a great honor to serve the Governor and help implement his New Day Plan. The Governor’s commitment to making positive changes to education is clear and the collective investment by our leaders is unprecedented. In my new role, I will be able to focus on the education elements of his New Day Plan, which include the goal of restoring public confidence in our schools.”
Ms. Dela Cruz has also served as the Governor’s press secretary since the beginning of his term. During the interim, Deputy Chief of Staff Blake Oshiro will be overseeing communications in the Office of the Governor.
Governor Abercrombie’s New Day agenda for education is moving forward on ensuring that principals and teachers get the support needed to accomplish student achievement goals. Since taking office he has realized several items set forth in the New Day Plan, including incorporating the superintendent of schools into the Governor’s cabinet, competing in President Obama’s “Race to the Top,” and generating public-private investments in schools.
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